The purpose of this study was to measure the reliability, sensitivity and validity
of two types of field study measures: subjective rating techniques and self-assessment
scales. Eight listeners with hearing loss served as subjects. In a laboratory study
two Frequency-Gain-Characteristics (FGCs) were selected; one which subjects rated
as having better speech clarity and one which subjects rated as having poorer speech
clarity. The clarity ratings for the two FGCs were the criterion measure to which
the results of the field studies were compared. Subjects wore each of the two FGCs
in the real world for six, one-week time periods. During each week subjects completed
either category ratings or paired comparisons. Two self-assessment scales were also
completed. The paired comparison technique was the field study measure with the best
psychometric characteristics.
Key Words
Hearing Aids - Evaluation Studies
