Self-assessed hearing abilities in middle- and older-age adults: A stratified sampling approach

Objective: For evaluation of audiological service outcomes, the primary objective was to determine baseline and target profiles on the Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ); a secondary objective was to test a short form of the SSQ; opportunity was also taken to compare responses of samples providing consistent versus inconsistent self-assessments. Design: 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design crossed age, reported presence versus absence of hearing difficulty, and low versus high self-rated hearing ability. Study sample: Eight samples (total, n = 413), representing two age ranges; a response of "yes" or "no" to a question about having hearing difficulty, and either low or high self-rated hearing ability on six items from the SSQ. Results: Using present and previous results, baseline SSQ profiles were determined indicating the pattern of response likely to be observed prior to clinical intervention, and both an achieved outcome and "ideal" target outcome from such intervention. The six-item SSQ yielded better test-retest results in consistent versus inconsistent samples. The inconsistent samples showed signs of different interpretations of "hearing difficulty". Conclusions: Baseline, and both actual and ideal target outcomes can guide comparative appraisal of clinical achievements; more research is needed to determine a robust short form of the SSQ.