A self-report outcome measure for the evaluation of hearing aid fittings and services.

Objective: To design, optimise and validate an outcome measure for the evaluation of adult hearing aid fittings.

Design: A multi-dimensional subject-specific and situation-specific questionnaire (the Glasgow Hearing Aid Benefit Profile--GHABP) to assess initial disability, handicap, use, benefit, residual disability and satisfaction before and after hearing aid provision.

Subjects: Hearing-impaired adults attending National Health Service clinics for the first time for whom amplification is an appropriate management option.

Results: A self-report instrument of length compatible with the requirements of routine clinical practice which retains psychometric leverage. The GHABP demonstrates sensitivity to the technological content and rehabilitative context of interventions. The scale properties facilitate the use of the GHABP in decision-making for individual hearing-impaired patients.

Conclusion: An outcome measure such as the GHABP offers the various interested parties (purchasers, providers and patients) a tool for use in the evaluation of the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of existing services and future developments. Many of the design concepts embodied in the GHABP are applicable in other healthcare contexts.