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Research Article
12 October 2017

Ecological Momentary Assessment: Feasibility, Construct Validity, and Future Applications

Publication: American Journal of Audiology
Volume 26, Number 3S
Pages 436-442

Abstract

Purpose

This research assessed the feasibility and construct validity of ecological momentary assessment in capturing the hearing experiences of adults with mild hearing impairment in natural environments.

Method

Twenty-nine adults between the ages of 55 and 79 years (M = 69 years) answered multiple surveys on a smartphone app over a 2-week trial. Participants also wore 1 environmental classifier and a streamer allowing bidirectional communication between smartphone and classifier. Surveys were triggered based on defined criteria, or by the participants. A paper-based self-report questionnaire was administered before and after the trial.

Results

Feasibility was indicated by high compliance rates, with a total of 1,128 surveys completed. Of these, 72% were completed during a listening event, 26% within 1 hr, and only 2% of the surveys more than 1 hr after the listening event. The mean survey completion time was 1 min 40 s. Mean pre- and post-trial self-report scores were not significantly different, indicating no reactivity. Construct validity was indicated by the close agreement between subjective ratings of listening situations and objective data from the hearing aid classifier.

Conclusions

Ecological momentary assessment is a feasible and valid research methodology for older adults with mild hearing impairment. The methodology has potential as a clinical counseling and outcome tool.

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Information & Authors

Information

Published In

American Journal of Audiology
Volume 26Number 3S12 October 2017
Pages: 436-442
PubMed: 29049626

History

  • Received: Dec 13, 2016
  • Revised: Mar 16, 2017
  • Accepted: Mar 19, 2017
  • Published in issue: Oct 12, 2017

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Authors

Affiliations

Barbra H. B. Timmer
School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, Australia
Louise Hickson
School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, Australia
Stefan Launer
School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, Australia
Sonova AG, Stäfa, Switzerland

Notes

Disclosure: The authors have declared that no competing interests existed at the time of publication.
Correspondence to Barbra H. B. Timmer: [email protected]
Editor-in-Chief: Sumitrajit Dhar

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