Assessment of Hearing-Related Lifestyle Based on the Common Sound Scenarios Framework

Abstract

Purpose: Auditory lifestyle can play a role in hearing care needs, and, as such, it needs to be considered when treating people with hearing loss. In this study, we propose a questionnaire consisting of 24 listening situations based on the Common Sound Scenarios (CoSS) framework. Method: Seventeen experienced hearing aid (HA) users filled out the Hearing-Related Lifestyle Questionnaire four times: Days 1, 2, 15, and 29. The questionnaire consisted of 24 listening situations that participants rated on frequency of occurrence, importance to hear well, difficulty to hear, and HA satisfaction. Four questionnaire outcomes were extracted from these ratings: richness of hearing-related lifestyle, hearing demand, hearing difficulty, and HA satisfaction. Additionally, the participants were asked whether any listening situations are not understandable or relatable, whether any situations are missing from the questionnaire, and whether the number of questions is acceptable. Test–retest reliability analyses were done to assess whether the questionnaire outcomes are reliable across the four reports. Correlation analyses were done to assess whether there is a relationship between the questionnaire outcomes. Results: The questionnaire outcomes have excellent reliability. The listening situations in the questionnaire are generally complete and relatable, and the number of questions is acceptable. Correlation analyses revealed that the questionnaire outcomes are related to each other. Conclusions: Currently, there are no other hearing-related lifestyle questionnaires that purely assess listening situations. The proposed questionnaire has the potential to add to our understanding of hearing-related lifestyle of people needing or undergoing hearing care. Supplemental Material: https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.21514044