Reliability and Validity Assessment of the Persian Version of the Noise Exposure Questionnaire (NEQ): An NIHL Predictor Tool

Background: Noise and noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) are the most prevalent workplace problems. The best way to prevent NIHL is to monitor people's annual noise exposure (ANE) using tools, such as questionnaires. The present study aims to assess reliability of the Persian version of the Noise Exposure Questionnaire (NEQ) and NIHL scores among workers. Materials & Methods: This descriptive study was designed in 2021. The backward-forward technique was employed for the purpose of translation. The questionnaires were distributed among 70 male employees of an oil company in Assaluyeh City. To evaluate reliability, the test-retest method and Cronbach's alpha were employed. For the test-retest method, the questionnaires were dispensed at two separate times under similar conditions. Results: Using Cronbach's alpha and ICC, reliability was calculated at 0.918 and 0.856, respectively. We found that the participants had performed activities of high sound levels over the past year. Although participation in some activities was high, the final ANE was below the highest risk levels, with 17.14% of the people having had the highest risk levels. Besides, the employees’ ANE had a significant correlation with their age and type of work shift. Additionally, the 1-Minute Noise Screen method was determined as an accurate tool in rapidly predicting those participants with the highest risk of NIHL. Conclusions: The NEQ and 1-Minute Noise Screen were proved to be practical tools for estimating individuals’ ANE and identifying participants with the highest risk of NIHL. These tools help professionals focus on protection measures to prevent hearing impairment.