The Attitudes towards Loss of Hearing Questionnaire (ALHQ): a comparison of paper and electronic formats.

The purpose of the study was to determine whether scores obtained on the ALHQ when completed in electronic format are the same as when completed in paper format. Four groups of 25 individuals participated. Each completed the ALHQ on two occasions in either its paper version, its electronic version, or both. The variance in ALHQ scores from the first to second administrations was compared across test groups. Data showed that the two forms of the questionnaire yielded equivalent scores but that completion in different modes on both occasions resulted in more variability in scores than completion in the same mode on both occasions. It is concluded that when comparing questionnaire data across administrations, the same response format should be used. Electronic completion took longer than paper completion, but it is concluded that the numerous advantages of electronic administration outweigh the disadvantages of additional completion time.