Hearing Outcome Measure
A validated questionnaire or assessment tool used to evaluate the benefit, satisfaction, or quality of life impact of aural rehabilitation intervention.
Full Definition
Hearing outcome measures are standardised, typically self-report instruments used in audiology and aural rehabilitation to quantify the effect of intervention — such as hearing aid fitting or a rehabilitation programme — on a patient's functioning, satisfaction, and quality of life. Common examples include the Glasgow Hearing Aid Benefit Profile (GHABP) and the Satisfaction with Amplification in Daily Life (SADL) scale. Editors working on clinical reports and research papers must distinguish between objective performance tests (such as speech perception tests) and subjective outcome measures, which rely on patient self-report. The term is often used generically; editors should seek specificity by ensuring the exact instrument name is cited.
Usage
Usage note: Generic use is acceptable in introductory text, but always name the specific instrument when reporting data. Distinguish from objective performance measures.
In Context
- "The GHABP was selected as the primary hearing outcome measure because of its sensitivity to rehabilitation programme effects." — Clinical trial methods section
- "The manuscript used 'hearing outcome measure' inconsistently, sometimes meaning subjective questionnaires and sometimes speech perception scores." — Peer-review editorial note