Noble William, Gatehouse Stuart
Department of Psychology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia,
Int J Audiol. 2004 Feb;43(2):100-14. doi: 10.1080/14992020400050015.
A series of comparative analyses is presented between a group with relatively similar degrees of hearing loss in each ear (n = 103: symmetry group) and one with dissimilar losses (n = 50: asymmetry group). Asymmetry was defined as an interaural difference of more than 10dB in hearing levels averaged over 0.5. 1, 2 and 4kHz. Comparison was focused on self-rated disabilities as reflected in responses on the Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ). The connections between SSQ ratings and a global self-rating of handicap were also observed. The interrelationships among SSQ items for the two groups were analysed to determine how the SSQ behaves when applied to groups in whom binaural hearing is more (asymmetry) versus less compromised. As expected, spatial hearing is severely disabled in the group with asymmetry; this group is generally more disabled than the symmetry group across all SSQ domains. In the linkages with handicap, spatial hearing, especially in dynamic settings, was strongly represented in the asymmetry group, while all aspects of hearing were moderately to strongly represented in the symmetry group. Item intercorrelations showed that speech hearing is a relatively autonomous function for the symmetry group, whereas it is enmeshed with segregation, clarity and naturalness factors for the asymmetry group. Spatial functions were more independent of others in the asymmetry group. The SSQ shows promise in the assessment of outcomes in the case of bilateral versus unilateral amplification and/or implantation.
对每只耳朵听力损失程度相对相似的一组（n = 103：对称组）和听力损失不同的一组（n = 50：不对称组）进行了一系列比较分析。不对称定义为在0.5、1、2和4kHz平均听力水平上两耳间差异超过10dB。比较集中在言语、空间和听力质量量表（SSQ）反应中反映的自评残疾情况。还观察了SSQ评分与整体残疾自评之间的联系。分析了两组SSQ项目之间的相互关系，以确定当SSQ应用于双耳听力受损较多（不对称）与较少受损的组时的表现。正如预期的那样，不对称组的空间听力严重受损；在所有SSQ领域，该组通常比对称组残疾程度更高。在与残疾的联系中，空间听力，尤其是在动态环境中，在不对称组中表现强烈，而在对称组中听力的各个方面表现为中度至强烈。项目相互关系表明，对于对称组，言语听力是一个相对自主的功能，而对于不对称组，它与分离、清晰度和自然度因素相关。在不对称组中，空间功能与其他功能的独立性更强。SSQ在评估双侧与单侧放大和/或植入情况下的结果方面显示出前景。
