The short-term research objectives of the proposed study are as follows:
- To measure the effects of audiological intervention on selected domain specific (i.e., Communicative, Interpersonal, and Social roles) and overall functioning using the WHO-DASII, a generic health measure conceptually grounded in the ICIDH-2 model of disablement and functioning.
- To measure the effects of audiological intervention on selected domain specific (i.e., Role Functioning-Emotional; and, Social Functioning) and overall functioning using the MOS-SF36V, a generic health measure currently utilized in the Veteran's Health Administration.
- To determine the accuracy with which measures of audibility (SII), hearing handicap (HHIE), and, hearing disability (APHAB) predict domain specific and overall functioning, and life-satisfaction as measured by the WHO-DASII and the MOS-SF36V will be evaluated.
- To compare hearing aid treatment effects as measured by changes in WHO-DASII domain specific and overall functioning scores to those measured by changes in disease specific instruments examining similar constructs.
- To compare hearing aid treatment effects as measured by changes in MOS-SF36V domain specific and overall functioning scores to those measured by changes in disease specific instruments examining similar constructs.
- To determine and compare cost-effectiveness of hearing aid intervention as calculated using WHO-DASII and MOS SF-36V outcome data.
The long-term research objective is to compare the cost-effectiveness and cost-utility of audiologic intervention with those of other health care interventions commonly associated with the veteran population (e.g. mental health, cardiology, pulmonary, orthopedic, etc.).