Validation of the Cantonese version of the speech, spatial, and qualities of hearing scale (SSQ) in Cantonese-speaking adults with and without hearing impairment

Abstract

Given the complexity of real-life listening situations in Hong Kong, this study adopts the Cantonese version of the Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale (the Cantonese SSQ) in evaluating the self-reported daily listening abilities among Cantonese-speaking adults. The questionnaire was administered to 170 normal-hearing adults and 50 hearing-impaired adults. Preliminary analysis on the construct validity, internal consistency reliability and the discriminant validity of the Cantonese SSQ were conducted. The Cantonese SSQ responses were analyzed and compared to those obtained from overseas. Results revealed that the overall internal consistency reliability was very good while discriminant validity was suggested as reduced audibility was related to greater hearing disabilities. Future re-analysis of the construct validity is warranted with a larger sample size. This study also showed that hearing-impaired listeners reported significantly greater hearing disabilities than normal-hearing listeners. Hearing-impaired listeners in this study also reported greater hearing disabilities than those studied in overseas. It is hoped that the present result would guide future refinement of the Cantonese SSQ which could be a valuable clinical tool in addressing hearing disabilities in daily situations that are not sufficiently revealed from clinical audiometric tests.