An Evaluation of the Psychometric Properties of the Short Form of the Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale in Swedish: Online Versus Paper-and-Pen.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Swedish short form of the Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ12) and investigate whether the paper-and-pen and online formats could be used interchangeably.

Method: Individuals with and without hearing problems were invited to participate in this study. The participants ( = 125) were randomized into four groups: paper-paper, online-online, paper-online, and online-paper. All participants completed the Swedish SSQ12 twice.

Results: Principal components analysis revealed one component. Statistical analysis revealed good psychometric properties. Administration formats were compared using repeated-measures analysis of variance, which revealed no statistically significant differences.

Conclusions: The results indicate that the Swedish SSQ12 is possible to use in paper-and-pen and online formats interchangeably. The questionnaire has potential to be used by Swedish audiologists seeking to understand the individual experience of hearing loss or to evaluate hearing rehabilitation. To further understand the possible differences and to broaden the use and understanding of the SSQ12, future studies should aim to determine the minimal clinically important difference for the SSQ12.