Purpose: This research assessed the feasibility and construct validity of ecological momentary assessment in capturing the hearing experiences of adults with mild hearing impairment in natural environments.
Method: Twenty-nine adults between the ages of 55 and 79 years (M = 69 years) answered multiple surveys on a smartphone app over a 2-week trial. Participants also wore 1 environmental classifier and a streamer allowing bidirectional communication between smartphone and classifier. Surveys were triggered based on defined criteria, or by the participants. A paper-based self-report questionnaire was administered before and after the trial.
Results: Feasibility was indicated by high compliance rates, with a total of 1,128 surveys completed. Of these, 72% were completed during a listening event, 26% within 1 hr, and only 2% of the surveys more than 1 hr after the listening event. The mean survey completion time was 1 min 40 s. Mean pre- and post-trial self-report scores were not significantly different, indicating no reactivity. Construct validity was indicated by the close agreement between subjective ratings of listening situations and objective data from the hearing aid classifier.
Conclusions: Ecological momentary assessment is a feasible and valid research methodology for older adults with mild hearing impairment. The methodology has potential as a clinical counseling and outcome tool.