The RBANS-H in Older Adults With Normal Hearing or Age-related Hearing Loss

RBANS-H index scores

The RBANS-H assesses five cognitive domains (Immediate Memory, Visuospatial/constructional, Language, Attention and Delayed Memory). The test consists of twelve subtests and the score on each subtest contributes to one of the five domains.

Time frame: Baseline

Free field best aided speech in noise audiometry: Speech Reception Threshold (SRT)

The speech reception in noise is assessed by means of the Leuven Intelligibility Sentences Test (LIST) using an adaptive procedure. This speech material is developed to quantify the speech understanding in subjects with severely impaired hearing. The frequency spectrum of the noise signal is equal to the long-term average speech spectrum of the sentences. The level of the noise is fixed at 65 dB SPL, while the level of the speech signal is altered depending on the response of the patient. Each list consists of ten sentences and the speech reception threshold (SRT) is calculated as the mean level of the last five sentences together with the level of the imaginary 11th sentence of the list. This speech in noise test is performed both pre- and postoperatively in an aided, free field situation with the loudspeaker in front of the subject at a distance of one meter.

Time frame: Baseline

Free field best aided speech in quiet audiometry (phoneme score): SRT

Speech reception in quiet is measured using Dutch open-set word lists. Each list consists of twelve monosyllabic words (consonant-vowel-consonant) of which one is a training item. The lists are presented at 65, 55, 40, 30, 20 and 10 dB SPL in free field with a loudspeaker at 0° azimuth. The intensity at which 50% of the phonemes is received correctly, is the SRT.

Time frame: Baseline

Free field best aided hearing thresholds: Fletcher Index (FI)

The best aided thresholds with no, one or two hearing aid(s) are measured through free field audiometry with warble tones. The loudspeaker is placed at a distance of one meter in front of the subject at ear level.

Time frame: Baseline

Health Utilities Index-2/3 (HUI 2/3)

The HUI questionnaire measures the self-perceived health status of the participant and rates the health-related quality of life (HRQL). The questionnaire consists of 17 items with four to six options. The HRQL scoring systems provide utility (preference) scores on a generic scale where dead = 0.00 and perfect health = 1.00.

Time frame: Baseline

Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI)

The DHI is used to quantify the impact of dizziness on everyday life. This 25-item questionnaire was developed to assess the self-perceived handicapping effects imposed by vestibular system disorders. Each item is rated as Yes = 4, Sometimes = 2 or No = 0 and contributes to one of three subscales, namely Functional, Emotional and Physical. A total score is calculated adding the scores on each item.

Time frame: Baseline

General questionnaire

A non-validated general questionnaire on education and profession, medical history, hearing aid use and tinnitus

Time frame: Baseline