French-language adaptation and linguistic validation of the ETDQ-7 Eustachian tube dysfunction assessment questionnaire following COSMIN guidelines.

BACKGROUND

Eustachian tube dysfunction (patulous Eustachian tube or obstructive impermeability) can significantly impair quality of life, but no French-language questionnaire was previously available. The present study sought to adapt and validate a French version of the ETDQ-7 questionnaire.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A prospective controlled study was conducted between February 2024 and March 2025. Translation used the forward-backward technique and statistical validation was performed in adult patients treated for Eustachian tube dysfunction and a control group.

OBJECTIVES

Internal consistency, discriminant validity and test-retest reliability were assessed for global score, subtotals and items.

RESULTS

In all, 32 patients (cases) and 32 controls filled out the questionnaire. Twenty-three of the 32 cases also filled out the retest. Internal consistency on Cronbach alpha was 0.84 for cases. Mean total ETDQ-7 score was 27±10.2 for cases versus 8.9±2.6 for controls (P<0.0001). Test-retest reliability on Pearson correlation coefficient was satisfactory, at r=0.77. All items showed satisfactory individual performance.

CONCLUSION

The French-language ETDQ-7 is a short, simple and reliable instrument for assessing quality of life in patients with Eustachian tube dysfunction.