The reliability of self-reported hearing loss from occupational noise exposure

How reliably can individuals judge their own hearing health? This study demonstrated that, by asking three simple self-reporting questions, a good indication of individuals' hearing health can be obtained. Objective hearing threshold data showed excellent correlation with subjective measures obtained through direct questioning. A positive reply to two of the three self-reporting hearing health questions had a sensitivity of 75%, as did a positive reply to the single question, "Do you feel you have a hearing loss?". The high-frequency pure-tone hearing threshold (measured as an average of thresholds at 3, 4 and 6 kHz) was consistently poorer by around 10 dB in those who self-reported hearing loss compared with those who did not. Hearing was also poorer in those who reported more frequent tinnitus.