Self-assessment of daily hearing function for implant recipients: A comparison of mean total scores for the Speech Spatial Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ49) with the SSQ12

Abstract

ObjectiveTo assess the relationship and agreement between mean total scores for the Speech Spatial Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ49) and the shorter SSQ12 to measure daily hearing function for a large group of auditory implant recipients.MethodsProspective, longitudinal self-assessment by 1013 implant recipients using the SSQ49 at preimplant and at annual post-implant intervals (one, two and three-years) via an international registry. Mean total scores were calculated for the SSQ49 and the extracted SSQ12 responses. Pearson correlation and Bland–Altman agreement were examined between the SSQ49, SSQ12 and transformed SSQ12 versions. Longitudinal mixed-effects models were used to compare changes over time.ResultsVery high correlation was shown between mean total scores for all versions while perfect agreement was not reached. Clinically acceptable agreement (<1.0 unit) between all versions was obtained with the transformed SSQ12 being least biased. All versions showed statistically significant improvement at one-year post-implant (>2.2 units; p < 0.001).ConclusionsAll scale-versions showed comparable sensitivity to changes in self-reported hearing function over time. TheSSQ12 may be considered as a potential time-efficient self-assessment of hearing function for implant recipients in routine practice. Further research may involve independent repeated administration of each scale version.