The accuracy of self-reported hearing loss in older Latino-American adults

The purpose of this study was to examine the accuracy of self-reported hearing loss in older Latino-American adults. Fifty-nine individuals, 32 women (mean age 62.2 years) and 27 men (mean age 62.4 years), participated. The questionnaire addressed hearing loss, hearing aid use, and other people's views of their hearing abilities. Based on the question, 'Do you feel you have a hearing loss?', the prevalence of self-reported hearing loss was 57.6%, with 56.3% of women and 59.3% of men reporting a hearing loss. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were calculated using this question and compared to the pure-tone average (PTA) at 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz in the poorer ear. Overall, sensitivity was 75.7%, specificity was 72.7%, and accuracy was 74.6%. Results of this smaller scale study suggest that a single question, used as a screening measure, is both sensitive and specific for hearing loss in older Latino-American adults and may overcome language and cultural barriers. This question can be easily implemented by physicians or other health-care employees to quickly screen for hearing loss.