The Effect of Passing Time on Self-reported Satisfaction with Hearing Aid Amplification

Abstract

The self-report inventory Satisfaction with Amplification in Daily Life (SADL) has been found to give significantly different results if applied at 2 weeks and 12 months post-fitting. This finding did not indicate when satisfaction is stabilised. While a number of studies have suggested benefit from aid fitting is stabilised by 4-6 weeks post-fitting, benefit is only a small part of satisfaction as measured by the SADL. As a consequence, there can be no certainty that the time delay between fitting and stability of benefit is similar to that of satisfaction. An investigation was undertaken of post-fitting changes in satisfaction as measured by the SADL. A total of 383 pensioner clients were asked to complete the SADL at times ranging from 2 weeks to 12 months post-fitting. A net return of 281 SADLs was obtained, with different rates of return depending on time since fitting and method of administration. Factors related to non-return were also investigated. Satisfaction was assessed for eight different times post-fitting. The results indicated that different aspects of satisfaction stabilise to long-term levels at different times after fitting. It was concluded that application of the SADL before the third month postfitting will overestimate long-term satisfaction in three of the five measures provided. As a consequence, decisions must be taken regarding when, and how, the measurement is to be performed.