Background and Aim: The dichotic auditory-verbal memory test (DAVMT) is useful in detecting auditory-verbal memory deficits and differences in memory function between the brain hemispheres. The purpose of this study was to prepare the Persian version of dichotic auditory-verbal memory test and to obtain its results in 18- to 25-year old normal individuals of both genders in Iran.
Methods: The Persian version of dichotic auditory-verbal memory test like the original one consisted of 18 lists of ten words. The lists were arranged such that 10 words were presented to one ear, with the reverse words simultaneously were presented to the other ear, constituting a dichotic test situation. After preparing the 18 lists, content validity was assessed by a panel of eight experts and then, the words of each list were recorded on CD in a dichotic mode. Thereafter, it was performed on one hundred and ten normal individuals with ages ranging from 18 to 25 years (mean age: 21.3 SD 1.9 years) and the scores were recorded on a specially designed scoring sheet.
Results: There was no significant difference between mean scores of 18 lists of the dichotic auditory-verbal memory test. The overall mean of CVI was 96% for the 18 lists and the mean score of dichotic auditory-verbal memory test was 6.5 SD 1.0 in the normal group.
Conclusion: Based on the obtained results, the Persian version of dichotic auditory-verbal memory test has a good content validity and can be used in detecting the auditory-verbal memory deficits.