title: Self-assessed hearing abilities in middle- and older-age adults: a stratified sampling approach.
abstract: 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.
  
  
  METHODS
  2 × 2 × 2 factorial design crossed age, reported presence versus absence of hearing difficulty, and low versus high self-rated hearing ability.
  
  
  METHODS
  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.
authors: School of Behavioural, Cognitive and Social Sciences, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia. wnoble@une.edu.au
authors: William
authors: W
authors: Noble
authors: Graham
authors: G
authors: Naylor
authors: Navjot
authors: N
authors: Bhullar
authors: Michael A
authors: MA
authors: Akeroyd
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D059026:Diagnostic Self Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006309:Hearing; D006320:Hearing Tests; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care