Contributions Of Non-Hearing Aid Variables To Subjective Hearing Aid Fitting Outcome Robyn Cox In an ideal world, the subjective outcome of a hearing aid fitting would result from an interaction of only two variables: the hearing aid fitted and the skill and expertise of the dispenser. In fact, both anecdotal and scientific data support the proposition that other variables also play a role in self-report data. This paper will describe results of research exploring the relationships between non-hearing aid variables and self-reported benefit and satisfaction. Personality attributes such as anxiety and extraversion seem to be related to benefit. Some aspects of pre-fitting expectation appear to be related to satisfaction. Other subject variables explored include financial investment, age, perceived impairment, and gender. Test variables such as outcome measure, administration method and post-fit timing will also be covered. Full understanding of these sorts of issues is essential to establishing a scientific application of self-report data. Properly used and interpreted, self-reports will help to establish the real-world improvements provided by hearing aids and will facilitate optimal allocation of rehabilitation resources. (Supported by US Department of Veterans Affairs, RR&D Service) |