Introduction
In the realm of audiology, understanding a patient's self-perceived hearing ability is paramount. Two of the most commonly used tools to assess this are the Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ) and the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB) questionnaires. A recent study titled Comparison of Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ) and the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB) Questionnaires in a Large Cohort of Self-Reported Normal-Hearing Adult Listeners provides valuable insights into these tools, offering practitioners a chance to refine their assessment techniques.
Key Findings
The study involved 254 self-reported normal-hearing adults, both younger and older, who completed the SSQ and APHAB questionnaires. The results highlighted several key points:
- Younger vs. Older Adults: Younger adults reported higher abilities across all SSQ subscales (Speech, Spatial, and Qualities) and fewer problems in the APHAB subscales (Ease of Communication, Reverberation, and Background Noise) compared to older adults.
- Subscale Insights: Both age groups reported the highest abilities in the SSQ Qualities subscale. However, younger adults perceived lower abilities in the Spatial subscale, while older adults struggled more with the Speech subscale.
- Correlation Between Tools: There was a significant negative correlation between the SSQ subscales and the APHAB subscales (except Aversiveness), suggesting that higher self-perceived abilities in the SSQ are associated with fewer reported problems in the APHAB.
Implications for Practitioners
For practitioners, these findings underscore the importance of using both the SSQ and APHAB questionnaires in tandem. While they measure similar constructs, the unique insights from each can provide a more comprehensive understanding of a patient's hearing abilities. Here are some practical steps for implementation:
- Comprehensive Assessment: Utilize both questionnaires to capture a full spectrum of hearing abilities and challenges, particularly focusing on the unique insights from the Aversiveness subscale of the APHAB.
- Pre-Appointment Surveys: Consider having patients complete these questionnaires before their clinical appointments to save time and reduce in-clinic fatigue.
- Age-Specific Norms: Use the study's findings to inform age-specific expectations and norms, particularly when assessing younger versus older adults.
Encouraging Further Research
The study also highlights the need for further research, particularly in developing normative data across different age groups and exploring the potential for a combined questionnaire that leverages the strengths of both the SSQ and APHAB. Practitioners are encouraged to contribute to this body of research by collecting data and sharing findings within the audiology community.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Comparison of Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ) and the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB) Questionnaires in a Large Cohort of Self-Reported Normal-Hearing Adult Listeners.
