Development of a Japanese Version Self-Administered Questionnaire, the Acoustic Quality of Life Index

Second Report: Construction of Scales by Factor Analysis

Abstract

We tried to establish a method of integrated estimation of subjective acoustic disability. The data used were from the questionnaire, “Acoustic Quality of Life Index” (AQOLI) in the first report. Two factors, “acoustic handicap” and “communication disability”, were identified by principal factor analysis with varimax rotation. The reliability and validity of the questionnaire were satisfactory. A dynamic change in the acoustic quality of life (AQOL) can be assessed by the two scales in the middle age or older people stage from the mental and psychosocial aspects. This study showed that the AQOL of the people aged 70 years or more is more severely disabled and handicapped than those of aged 40-69 years.