National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

2015-2016 Data Documentation, Codebook, and Frequencies

Audiometry (AUQ_I)

Data File: AUQ_I.xpt

First Published: March 2018

Last Revised: NA

Component Description

The Audiometry questionnaire section (variable name prefix AUQ) provides interview data on self-reported hearing status, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), hearing screening history, the use of hearing aids, the use of assistive devices for hearing, and risk factors for hearing loss.

Topics included in this section are:

• Self-assessed condition of hearing;
• The Gallaudet hearing scale for self-reported hearing loss;
• History of ear infections; ear tube placed for infection;
• How recently hearing tests were performed, if ever;
• Hearing aid use and cochlear implant status;
• Use of assistive listening devices;
• 12-month period prevalence of tinnitus: how long bothered by tinnitus, tinnitus present after loud sounds, bothered by tinnitus when falling asleep, self-assessed severity of tinnitus;
• History of exposure to firearms noise; occupational and/or non-occupational loud noise; and
• Data on hearing protection use.

Eligible Sample

All survey participants, ages 1 year and older, were eligible for the initial question (AUQ054) relating to self-reported hearing capability/deficits.

All the other questions in AUQ were administered only to adults ages 20-69 years, except for AUQ136, AUQ138, AUQ146, AUQ148, and AUQ152 which were also administered to older adults ages 70+ years.

Interview Setting and Mode of Administration

These questions were asked, in the home, by trained interviewers using the Computer-Assisted Personal Interview (CAPI) system.
The Interviewer Procedure Manuals and Survey Questionnaires can be found on the NHANES website https://wwwn.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhanes/2015-2016/questionnaires/AUQ_I.pdf.

Quality Assurance & Quality Control

The CAPI system is programmed with built-in consistency checks to reduce data entry errors. CAPI also uses online help screens to assist interviewers in defining key terms used in the questionnaire.

Data Processing and Editing

The 2015–2016 AUQ data was verified against the main data file prior to public release. Frequency counts were checked, “skip” patterns were verified, and the reasonableness of question responses was reviewed.

Analytic Notes

Full sample NHANES 2015-2016 Interview weights should be used if statistical analysis only involves the NHANES questionnaire data. Although these data were collected as a part of the household questionnaire, if they are merged with MEC examination data (for example the Audiometry examination or laboratory data), exam sample weights should be used for analyses.

When combining AUQ data from different survey cycles, please note that there are some modifications in questions between survey cycles.

**Changes since the 2011-2012 data**
Label	2011-2012	2015-2016
Ever had a job exposure to loud noise?	AUQ330	AUQ331
How long exposed to very loud noise?	AUQ360	AUQ361
Past year: worn hearing protection?	AUQ380	AUQ381

Data on hearing aid use and cochlear implant status (variable names AUQ146, AUD148, AUQ152) are available for adults ages 20 years and older in the 2015-2016 survey, rather than only for adults ages 20-69 years in the 2011-2012 survey.

Previous National Health Interview Survey Audiometry questionnaires served as questionnaire sources (NHIS,2007; Ries,1982). Audiometry, Typanometry, Wideband Absorbance, and Acoustic Reflex examination data for NHANES participants could be found in the Audiometry Section of the NHANES 2015–2016 Examination Files.

Please refer to the NHANES Analytic Guidelines and the on-line NHANES Tutorial for further details on the use of sample weights and other analytic issues.

References

National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) Questionnaire - Sample Adult Conditions. 2007. Data collection items ACN.400_00.010- ACN.415_00.040. ftp://ftp.cdc.gov/pub/Health_Statistics/NCHS/Survey_Questionnaires/NHIS/2007/English/qadult.pdf
Ries, PW. Hearing Ability of Persons by Sociodemographic and Health Characteristics: United States.1982. (PHS) 82-1568 https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/series/sr_10/sr10_140.pdf

Codebook and Frequencies

SEQN - Respondent sequence number

Variable Name:: SEQN
SAS Label:: Respondent sequence number
English Text:: Respondent sequence number.
Target:: Both males and females 1 YEARS - 150 YEARS

AUQ054 - General condition of hearing

Variable Name:: AUQ054
SAS Label:: General condition of hearing
English Text:: These next questions are about {your/SP's} hearing. Which statement best describes {your/SP's} hearing (without a hearing aid or other listening devices)? Would you say {your/his/her} hearing is excellent, good, that {you have/s/he has} a little trouble, moderate trouble, a lot of trouble, or {are you/is s/he} deaf?
Target:: Both males and females 1 YEARS - 150 YEARS

Code or Value	Value Description	Count	Cumulative
1	Excellent	4842	4842
2	Good	3308	8150
3	A little trouble	890	9040
4	Moderate hearing trouble	352	9392
5	A lot of trouble	163	9555
6	Deaf	18	9573
77	Refused	0	9573
99	Don't know	2	9575
.	Missing	0	9575

AUQ055 - CHECK ITEM

Variable Name:: AUQ055
English Instructions:: BOX 1A. CHECK ITEM AUQ055: IF SP AGE >= 20, AND SP AGE <= 69 AND AUQ054 = 1, 7, 9, GO TO AUQ100; IF SP AGE >= 20, AND SP AGE <= 69 AND AUQ054 = 2, 3, 4, 5 OR 6, CONTINUE. IF SP AGE > 69, GO TO AUQ136. OTHERWISE, END OF SECTION.
Target:: Both males and females 1 YEARS - 150 YEARS

AUQ060 - Hear a whisper from across a quiet room?

Variable Name:: AUQ060
SAS Label:: Hear a whisper from across a quiet room?
English Text:: These next questions refer to hearing without the use of a hearing aid or any other listening devices. If {you have/SP has} one ear that is better than the other, please answer the questions for the hearing in {your/SP's} better ear. Can {you/SP} usually hear and understand what a person says without seeing his or her face if that person whispers to {you/him/her} from across a quiet room?
Target:: Both males and females 20 YEARS - 69 YEARS

Code or Value	Value Description	Count	Cumulative	Skip to Item
1	Yes	2026	2026	AUQ100
2	No	731	2757
7	Refused	1	2758
9	Don't know	45	2803
.	Missing	6772	9575

AUQ070 - Hear normal voice across a quiet room?

Variable Name:: AUQ070
SAS Label:: Hear normal voice across a quiet room?
English Text:: Can {you/SP} usually hear and understand what a person says without seeing his or her face if that person talks in a normal voice to {you/him/her} from across a quiet room?
Target:: Both males and females 20 YEARS - 69 YEARS

Code or Value	Value Description	Count	Cumulative	Skip to Item
1	Yes	582	582	AUQ100
2	No	190	772
7	Refused	0	772
9	Don't know	5	777
.	Missing	8798	9575

AUQ080 - Hear a shout from across a quiet room?

Variable Name:: AUQ080
SAS Label:: Hear a shout from across a quiet room?
English Text:: Can {you/SP} usually hear and understand what a person says without seeing his or her face if that person shouts to {you/him/her} from across a quiet room?
Target:: Both males and females 20 YEARS - 69 YEARS

Code or Value	Value Description	Count	Cumulative	Skip to Item
1	Yes	151	151	AUQ100
2	No	41	192
7	Refused	0	192
9	Don't know	3	195
.	Missing	9380	9575

AUQ090 - Hear if spoken loudly to in better ear?

Variable Name:: AUQ090
SAS Label:: Hear if spoken loudly to in better ear?
English Text:: Can {you/SP} usually hear and understand what a person says without seeing his or her face if that person speaks loudly into {your/his/her} better ear?
English Instructions:: INTERVIEWER: IF THE INTERVIEWEE HEARS BETTER IN ONE EAR THAN THE OTHER, RECORD THE RESPONSE FOR SPEAKING LOUDLY INTO THE BETTER EAR.
Target:: Both males and females 20 YEARS - 69 YEARS

Code or Value	Value Description	Count	Cumulative
1	Yes	19	19
2	No	24	43
7	Refused	0	43
9	Don't know	1	44
.	Missing	9531	9575

AUQ100 - Difficult follow conversation if noise

Variable Name:: AUQ100
SAS Label:: Difficult follow conversation if noise
English Text:: How often {do you/does SP} find it difficult to follow a conversation if there is background noise, for example, when other people are talking, TV or radio is on, or children are playing? Would you say...
English Instructions:: HAND CARD AUQ1
Target:: Both males and females 20 YEARS - 69 YEARS

Code or Value	Value Description	Count	Cumulative
1	Always	229	229
2	Usually	467	696
3	About half the time	738	1434
4	Seldom	1509	2943
5	Never	1819	4762
7	Refused	0	4762
9	Don't know	5	4767
.	Missing	4808	9575

AUQ110 - Hearing cause frustration when talking?

Variable Name:: AUQ110
SAS Label:: Hearing cause frustration when talking?
English Text:: How often does {your/SP's} hearing cause {you/him/her}to feel frustrated when talking to members of {your/his/her} family or to friends? Would you say...
English Instructions:: HAND CARD AUQ1
Target:: Both males and females 20 YEARS - 69 YEARS

Code or Value	Value Description	Count	Cumulative
1	Always	103	103
2	Usually	176	279
3	About half the time	290	569
4	Seldom	967	1536
5	Never	3230	4766
7	Refused	0	4766
9	Don't know	1	4767
.	Missing	4808	9575

AUQ136 - Ever had 3 or more ear infections?

Variable Name:: AUQ136
SAS Label:: Ever had 3 or more ear infections?
English Text:: {Have you/Has SP} ever had 3 or more ear infections? Please include ear infections {you/he/she} may have had when {you were/he was/she was} a child.
Target:: Both males and females 20 YEARS - 150 YEARS

Code or Value	Value Description	Count	Cumulative
1	Yes	1331	1331
2	No	4153	5484
7	Refused	1	5485
9	Don't know	234	5719
.	Missing	3856	9575

AUQ138 - Ever had tube placed in ear?

Variable Name:: AUQ138
SAS Label:: Ever had tube placed in ear?
English Text:: {Have you/Has SP} ever had a tube placed in {your/his/her} ear to drain the fluid from {your/his/her} ear?
Target:: Both males and females 20 YEARS - 150 YEARS

Code or Value	Value Description	Count	Cumulative
1	Yes	303	303
2	No	5370	5673
7	Refused	0	5673
9	Don't know	46	5719
.	Missing	3856	9575

AUQ137 - CHECK ITEM

Variable Name:: AUQ137
English Instructions:: BOX 3. CHECK ITEM AUQ137: IF SP AGE > 69, GO TO AUQ146. OTHERWISE, CONTINUE.
Target:: Both males and females 20 YEARS - 150 YEARS

AUQ144 - Last time hearing tested by specialist?

Variable Name:: AUQ144
SAS Label:: Last time hearing tested by specialist?
English Text:: A hearing test by a specialist is one that is done in a sound proof booth or room, or with headphones. Hearing specialists include audiologists, ear nose and throat doctors, and trained technicians or occupational nurses. When was the last time {you had/SP had} {your/his/her} hearing tested by a hearing specialist?
English Instructions:: READ CATEGORIES IF NECESSARY
Target:: Both males and females 20 YEARS - 69 YEARS

Code or Value	Value Description	Count	Cumulative
1	Less than a year ago	405	405
2	1 year to 4 years ago	657	1062
3	5 to 9 years ago	550	1612
4	Ten or more years ago	1400	3012
5	Never	1615	4627
7	Refused	0	4627
9	Don't know	140	4767
.	Missing	4808	9575

AUQ146 - Ever worn hearing aid/cochlear implant?

Variable Name:: AUQ146
SAS Label:: Ever worn hearing aid/cochlear implant?
English Text:: {Have you/Has SP} ever worn a hearing aid or cochlear implant?
Target:: Both males and females 20 YEARS - 150 YEARS

Code or Value	Value Description	Count	Cumulative	Skip to Item
1	Yes	256	256
2	No	5461	5717	AUQ390
7	Refused	0	5717	AUQ390
9	Don't know	2	5719	AUQ390
.	Missing	3856	9575

AUD148 - Hearing aid or Cochlear implant?

Variable Name:: AUD148
SAS Label:: Hearing aid or Cochlear implant?
English Text:: Which was it?
English Instructions:: CODE ALL THAT APPLY CAPI INSTRUCTION: IF BOTH RESPONSE OPTIONS 1 AND 2 ARE SELECTED, GO TO AUQ152.
Target:: Both males and females 20 YEARS - 150 YEARS

Code or Value	Value Description	Count	Cumulative	Skip to Item
1	Hearing aid	252	252
2	Cochlear implant	3	255
3	Both hearing aid and cochlear implant	1	256
7	Refused	0	256	AUQ390
9	Don't know	0	256	AUQ390
.	Missing	9319	9575

AUQ152 - Past year how often worn hearing aid?

Variable Name:: AUQ152
SAS Label:: Past year how often worn hearing aid?
English Text:: In the past 12 months, how often {have you/has SP} worn a hearing aid?
English Instructions:: HAND CARD AUQ1
Target:: Both males and females 20 YEARS - 150 YEARS

Code or Value	Value Description	Count	Cumulative
1	Always	94	94
2	Usually	37	131
3	About half the time	44	175
4	Seldom	41	216
5	Never	37	253
7	Refused	0	253
9	Don't know	0	253
.	Missing	9322	9575

AUQ390 - CHECK ITEM

Variable Name:: AUQ390
English Instructions:: BOX 4. CHECK ITEM AUQ390: IF SP AGE > 69, GO TO END OF SECTION. OTHERWISE, CONTINUE.
Target:: Both males and females 20 YEARS - 150 YEARS

AUQ154 - Ever used assistive listening devices?

Variable Name:: AUQ154
SAS Label:: Ever used assistive listening devices?
English Text:: {Have you/Has SP} ever used assistive listening devices (ALDs), such as FM systems, closed-captioned television, amplified telephone, relay services, or a sign-language interpreter?
Target:: Both males and females 20 YEARS - 69 YEARS

Code or Value	Value Description	Count	Cumulative
1	Yes	153	153
2	No	4614	4767
7	Refused	0	4767
9	Don't know	0	4767
.	Missing	4808	9575

AUQ191 - Ears ringing, roaring, buzzing past year

Variable Name:: AUQ191
SAS Label:: Ears ringing, roaring, buzzing past year
English Text:: In the past 12 months, {have you/has SP} been bothered by ringing, roaring, or buzzing in {your/his/her} ears or head that lasts for 5 minutes or more?
Target:: Both males and females 20 YEARS - 69 YEARS

Code or Value	Value Description	Count	Cumulative	Skip to Item
1	Yes	683	683
2	No	4083	4766	AUQ300
7	Refused	0	4766	AUQ300
9	Don't know	1	4767	AUQ300
.	Missing	4808	9575

AUQ250 - How long bothered by ringing, roaring

Variable Name:: AUQ250
SAS Label:: How long bothered by ringing, roaring
English Text:: How long {have you/has SP} been bothered by this ringing, roaring, or buzzing in {your/his/her} ears or head?
English Instructions:: READ CATEGORIES IF NECESSARY
Target:: Both males and females 20 YEARS - 69 YEARS

Code or Value	Value Description	Count	Cumulative
1	Less than three months	102	102
2	Three months to a year	105	207
3	1 to 4 years	158	365
4	5 to 9 years	117	482
5	Ten or more years	195	677
7	Refused	0	677
9	Don't know	6	683
.	Missing	8892	9575

AUQ255 - In past yr how often had ringing/roaring

Variable Name:: AUQ255
SAS Label:: In past yr how often had ringing/roaring
English Text:: In the past 12 months, how often {have you/has SP} had this ringing, roaring, or buzzing in {your/his/her} ears or head? Would you say...
Target:: Both males and females 20 YEARS - 69 YEARS

Code or Value	Value Description	Count	Cumulative
1	Almost always	203	203
2	At least once a day	93	296
3	At least once a week	110	406
4	At least once a month	121	527
5	Less frequently than once a month	154	681
7	Refused	0	681
9	Don't know	2	683
.	Missing	8892	9575

AUQ260 - Bothered by ringing after loud sounds?

Variable Name:: AUQ260
SAS Label:: Bothered by ringing after loud sounds?
English Text:: {Are you/Is SP} bothered by ringing, roaring, or buzzing in {your/his/her} ears or head only after listening to loud sounds or loud music?
Target:: Both males and females 20 YEARS - 69 YEARS

Code or Value	Value Description	Count	Cumulative
1	Yes	137	137
2	No	537	674
7	Refused	0	674
9	Don't know	9	683
.	Missing	8892	9575

AUQ270 - Bothered by ringing when going to sleep

Variable Name:: AUQ270
SAS Label:: Bothered by ringing when going to sleep
English Text:: {Are you/Is SP} bothered by ringing, roaring, or buzzing in {your/his/her} ears or head when going to sleep?
Target:: Both males and females 20 YEARS - 69 YEARS

Code or Value	Value Description	Count	Cumulative
1	Yes	303	303
2	No	379	682
7	Refused	0	682
9	Don't know	1	683
.	Missing	8892	9575

AUQ280 - How much of a problem is ringing?

Variable Name:: AUQ280
SAS Label:: How much of a problem is ringing?
English Text:: How much of a problem is this ringing, roaring, or buzzing in {your/his/her} ears or head? Would you say...
Target:: Both males and females 20 YEARS - 69 YEARS

Code or Value	Value Description	Count	Cumulative
1	No problem	148	148
2	A small problem	283	431
3	A moderate problem	173	604
4	A big problem	54	658
5	A very big problem	25	683
7	Refused	0	683
9	Don't know	0	683
.	Missing	8892	9575

AUQ300 - Ever used firearms for any reason?

Variable Name:: AUQ300
SAS Label:: Ever used firearms for any reason?
English Text:: This next question is about {your/SP's} use of firearms that {you/he/she} may have used for target shooting, hunting, for {your/his/her} job or in military service. {Have you/Has SP} ever used firearms for any reason?
Target:: Both males and females 20 YEARS - 69 YEARS

Code or Value	Value Description	Count	Cumulative	Skip to Item
1	Yes	1786	1786
2	No	2976	4762	AUQ331
7	Refused	4	4766	AUQ331
9	Don't know	1	4767	AUQ331
.	Missing	4808	9575

AUQ310 - How many total rounds ever fired?

Variable Name:: AUQ310
SAS Label:: How many total rounds ever fired?
English Text:: How many total rounds {have you/has SP} ever fired?
English Instructions:: READ CATEGORIES IF NECESSARY. INTERVIEWER: ONE ROUND EQUALS ONE SHOT. INCLUDE TARGET SHOOTING, HUNTING, YOUR JOB AND MILITARY SERVICE.
Target:: Both males and females 20 YEARS - 69 YEARS

Code or Value	Value Description	Count	Cumulative
1	1 to less than 100 rounds	814	814
2	100 to less than 1000 rounds	448	1262
3	1000 to less than 10,000 rounds	316	1578
4	10,000 to less than 50,000 rounds	119	1697
5	50,000 rounds or more	68	1765
7	Refused	1	1766
9	Don't know	20	1786
.	Missing	7789	9575

AUQ320 - Wear hearing protection when shooting?

Variable Name:: AUQ320
SAS Label:: Wear hearing protection when shooting?
English Text:: How often {did you/did SP} wear hearing protection devices (ear plugs, ear muffs) when shooting firearms?
English Instructions:: HAND CARD AUQ1. INTERVIEWER: PROTECTIVE HEARING DEVICES INCLUDE PLUGS AND EARMUFFS.
Target:: Both males and females 20 YEARS - 69 YEARS

Code or Value	Value Description	Count	Cumulative
1	Always	669	669
2	Usually	180	849
3	About half the time	155	1004
4	Seldom	161	1165
5	Never	619	1784
7	Refused	0	1784
9	Don't know	2	1786
.	Missing	7789	9575

AUQ331 - Ever had a job exposure to loud noise?

Variable Name:: AUQ331
SAS Label:: Ever had a job exposure to loud noise?
English Text:: These next questions are about noise exposure at work. First we are going to ask about loud noise. Loud means so loud that {you/s/he} must speak in a raised voice to be heard by someone three feet away when not using hearing protection. After that we will ask about very loud noise. Very loud noise is noise that is so loud {you have/he has/she has} to shout in order to be understood by someone standing 3 feet away from {you/him/her} when not using hearing protection. {Have you/Has SP} ever had a job, or combination of jobs where {you were/s/he was} exposed to loud sounds or noise for 4 or more hours a day, several days a week? (Loud means so loud that {you/s/he} must speak in a raised voice to be heard.)
Target:: Both males and females 20 YEARS - 69 YEARS

Code or Value	Value Description	Count	Cumulative	Skip to Item
1	Yes	1553	1553
2	No	3150	4703	AUQ370
3	Never worked	62	4765	AUQ370
7	Refused	0	4765	AUQ370
9	Don't know	2	4767	AUQ370
.	Missing	4808	9575

AUQ340 - How long exposed to loud noise at work?

Variable Name:: AUQ340
SAS Label:: How long exposed to loud noise at work?
English Text:: For how many months or years {have you/has SP} been exposed at work to loud sounds or noise for 4 or more hours a day, several days a week?
English Instructions:: READ CATEGORIES IF NECESSARY
Target:: Both males and females 20 YEARS - 69 YEARS

Code or Value	Value Description	Count	Cumulative
1	Less than 3 months	103	103
2	3 to 11 months	196	299
3	1 to 2 years	272	571
4	3 to 4 years	192	763
5	5 to 9 years	274	1037
6	10 to 14 years	176	1213
7	15 or more years	338	1551
77	Refused	0	1551
99	Don't know	2	1553
.	Missing	8022	9575

AUQ350 - Ever exposed to very loud noise at work?

Variable Name:: AUQ350
SAS Label:: Ever exposed to very loud noise at work?
English Text:: In {your/SP's} work {were you/was he/was she} exposed to very loud noise? (Very loud noise is noise that is so loud {you have/he has/she has} to shout in order to be understood by someone standing 3 feet away from {you/him/her}.)
Target:: Both males and females 20 YEARS - 69 YEARS

Code or Value	Value Description	Count	Cumulative	Skip to Item
1	Yes	1009	1009
2	No	544	1553	AUQ370
7	Refused	0	1553	AUQ370
9	Don't know	0	1553	AUQ370
.	Missing	8022	9575

AUQ361 - How long exposed to very loud noise?

Variable Name:: AUQ361
SAS Label:: How long exposed to very loud noise?
English Text:: Please give me the total number of moths or years for all jobs where this has happened.
English Instructions:: READ CATEGORIES IF NECESSARY
Target:: Both males and females 20 YEARS - 69 YEARS

Code or Value	Value Description	Count	Cumulative
1	Less than 3 months	52	52
2	3 to 11 months	125	177
3	1 to 2 years	174	351
4	3 to 4 years	144	495
5	5 to 9 years	179	674
6	10 to14 years	99	773
7	15 or more years	234	1007
8	Not exposed	1	1008
77	Refused	0	1008
99	Don't know	1	1009
.	Missing	8566	9575

AUQ370 - Had off-work exposure to loud noise?

Variable Name:: AUQ370
SAS Label:: Had off-work exposure to loud noise?
English Text:: Outside of a job, {have you/has SP} ever been exposed to very loud noise or music for 10 or more hours a week? This is noise so loud that {you have/s/he has} to shout to be understood or heard 3 feet away. Examples are noise from power tools, lawn mowers, farm machinery, cars, trucks, motorcycles, motor boats or loud music.
Target:: Both males and females 20 YEARS - 69 YEARS

Code or Value	Value Description	Count	Cumulative
1	Yes	666	666
2	No	4097	4763
7	Refused	0	4763
9	Don't know	4	4767
.	Missing	4808	9575

AUQ381 - Past year: worn hearing protection?

Variable Name:: AUQ381
SAS Label:: Past year: worn hearing protection?
English Text:: In the past 12 months, how often {did you/did SP} wear hearing protection devices (ear plugs, ear muffs) when exposed to very loud sounds or noise outside of work? {Do not include the noise from firearms we already talked about.}
English Instructions:: INTERVIEWER: PROTECTIVE HEARING DEVICES INCLUDE PLUGS AND MUFFS. HAND CARD AUQ2 CAPI INSTRUCTION: IF AUQ300 = 1/YES, DISPLAY 'Do not include the noise from firearms we already talked about.'
Target:: Both males and females 20 YEARS - 69 YEARS

Code or Value	Value Description	Count	Cumulative
1	Always	231	231
2	Usually	159	390
3	About half the time	119	509
4	Seldom	295	804
5	Never	2951	3755
6	No noise exposure past 12 months	1011	4766
77	Refused	0	4766
99	Don't know	1	4767
.	Missing	4808	9575

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