Table of Contents

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:

Eligible Sample

All survey participants, aged 1 year and older, were eligible for the initial question (AUQ054) relating to self-reported hearing capability/deficits. The rest of the questions in this section were only for participants aged 6-19 and 70 years and older.

Interview Setting and Mode of Administration

These questions were asked, in the home, by trained interviewers using the Computer-Assisted Personal Interview (CAPI) system. Hand cards showing response categories were also used for some questions. When necessary, the interviewers read the hand cards to respondents. Persons 16 years of age and older and emancipated minors were interviewed directly. A proxy provided information for survey participants who were under 16 years of age and for participants whom could not answer the questions themselves.

The Interviewer Procedure Manuals and Survey Questionnaires can be found on the NHANES website.

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 2017-2018 data were reviewed, frequency counts were checked, “skip” patterns were verified, and the reasonableness of question responses was reviewed.

Analytic Notes

Full sample NHANES 2017-2018 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. 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.

When combining AUQ data from different survey cycles, please note that there are some modifications in questions between survey cycles. The age range for this questionnaire changed for the 2017-2018 cycle. Except for question AUQ054, which was asked of every participant 1+ years, the age range was 6-19 and 70+ years. See Appendix I for more details on the changes in the AUQ section from 1999 to 2018.

Previous National Health Interview Survey Audiometry questionnaires served as questionnaire sources (NHIS,2007; Ries,1982). Other related datasets, including Audiometry, Tympanometry, Wideband Absorbance, and Acoustic Reflex examination data for NHANES participants is available in the Audiometry section of the NHANES 2017–2018 Examination data files.

References

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, personal sound amplifier, 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 Skip to Item
1 Excellent 4361 4361
2 Good 3074 7435
3 A little trouble 899 8334
4 Moderate hearing trouble 372 8706
5 A lot of trouble 166 8872
6 Deaf 22 8894
77 Refused 0 8894
99 Don't know 3 8897
. Missing 0 8897

AUQ055 - CHECK ITEM

Variable Name:
AUQ055
English Instructions:
BOX 1A. IF {SP AGE >= 6, AND SP AGE <= 19 OR SP AGE > 69} AND {AUQ054 = 1, 77, 99}, GO TO AUQ420; IF {SP AGE >= 6, AND SP AGE <= 19 OR SP AGE > 69} AND {AUQ054 = 2, 3, 4, 5 OR 6}, CONTINUE. 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 6 YEARS - 19 YEARS
Target:
Both males and females 70 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 1059 1059 AUQ395
2 No 573 1632
7 Refused 1 1633
9 Don't know 30 1663
. Missing 7234 8897

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 6 YEARS - 19 YEARS
Target:
Both males and females 70 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 390 390 AUQ395
2 No 205 595
7 Refused 1 596
9 Don't know 8 604
. Missing 8293 8897

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 6 YEARS - 19 YEARS
Target:
Both males and females 70 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 159 159 AUQ395
2 No 52 211
7 Refused 0 211
9 Don't know 3 214
. Missing 8683 8897

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 6 YEARS - 19 YEARS
Target:
Both males and females 70 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 35 35
2 No 18 53
7 Refused 0 53
9 Don't know 2 55
. Missing 8842 8897

AUQ395 - CHECK ITEM

Variable Name:
AUQ395
English Instructions:
BOX 2A. IF AUQ054 = {3, 4, 5 OR 6} CONTINUE. OTHERWISE, GO TO AUQ420.
Target:
Both males and females 6 YEARS - 150 YEARS

AUQ400 - When began to have hearing loss?

Variable Name:
AUQ400
SAS Label:
When began to have hearing loss?
English Text:
How old {were you/was SP} when {you/he/she} began to have any hearing loss?
English Instructions:
READ CATEGORIES IF NECESSARY
Target:
Both males and females 6 YEARS - 19 YEARS
Target:
Both males and females 70 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Before age 1 year old 14 14
2 Between 2 and 5 years old 24 38
3 Between 6 and 19 years old 79 117
4 Between 20 and 39 years old 46 163
5 Between 40 and 59 years old 78 241
6 Between 60 and 69 years old 129 370
7 70 years and older 219 589
8 No hearing loss 6 595
77 Refused 0 595
99 Don't know 11 606
. Missing 8291 8897

AUQ410a - Cause of hearing loss-Genetic/Hereditary

Variable Name:
AUQ410a
SAS Label:
Cause of hearing loss-Genetic/Hereditary
English Text:
What are the main causes of {your/SP's} hearing loss?
English Instructions:
INTERVIEWER INSTRUCTION: CODE ALL THAT APPLY HAND CARD AUQ1
Target:
Both males and females 6 YEARS - 19 YEARS
Target:
Both males and females 70 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Genetic/Hereditary causes 55 55
77 Refused 0 55
99 Don't know 29 84
. Missing 8813 8897

AUQ410b - Cause of hearing loss-Ear infections

Variable Name:
AUQ410b
SAS Label:
Cause of hearing loss-Ear infections
English Text:
What are the main causes of {your/SP's} hearing loss?
English Instructions:
INTERVIEWER INSTRUCTION: CODE ALL THAT APPLY HAND CARD AUQ1
Target:
Both males and females 6 YEARS - 19 YEARS
Target:
Both males and females 70 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
2 Ear infections (including fluid in ears) 81 81
. Missing 8816 8897

AUQ410c - Cause of hearing loss-Ear diseases

Variable Name:
AUQ410c
SAS Label:
Cause of hearing loss-Ear diseases
English Text:
What are the main causes of {your/SP's} hearing loss?
English Instructions:
INTERVIEWER INSTRUCTION: CODE ALL THAT APPLY HAND CARD AUQ1
Target:
Both males and females 6 YEARS - 19 YEARS
Target:
Both males and females 70 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
3 Ear diseases (Otosclerosis, Menieres, Tumor) 18 18
. Missing 8879 8897

AUQ410d - Cause of hearing loss-Illness/Infections

Variable Name:
AUQ410d
SAS Label:
Cause of hearing loss-Illness/Infections
English Text:
What are the main causes of {your/SP's} hearing loss?
English Instructions:
INTERVIEWER INSTRUCTION: CODE ALL THAT APPLY HAND CARD AUQ1
Target:
Both males and females 6 YEARS - 19 YEARS
Target:
Both males and females 70 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
4 Illness/Infections (Measles, Meningitis, Mumps) 26 26
. Missing 8871 8897

AUQ410e - Cause of hearing loss-Drugs/Medications

Variable Name:
AUQ410e
SAS Label:
Cause of hearing loss-Drugs/Medications
English Text:
What are the main causes of {your/SP's} hearing loss?
English Instructions:
INTERVIEWER INSTRUCTION: CODE ALL THAT APPLY HAND CARD AUQ1
Target:
Both males and females 6 YEARS - 19 YEARS
Target:
Both males and females 70 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
5 Drugs/Medications 8 8
. Missing 8889 8897

AUQ410f - Cause of hearing loss-Head/Neck injury

Variable Name:
AUQ410f
SAS Label:
Cause of hearing loss-Head/Neck injury
English Text:
What are the main causes of {your/SP's} hearing loss?
English Instructions:
INTERVIEWER INSTRUCTION: CODE ALL THAT APPLY HAND CARD AUQ1
Target:
Both males and females 6 YEARS - 19 YEARS
Target:
Both males and females 70 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
6 Head or neck injury/trauma 18 18
. Missing 8879 8897

AUQ410g - Cause of hearing loss-Loud brief noise

Variable Name:
AUQ410g
SAS Label:
Cause of hearing loss-Loud brief noise
English Text:
What are the main causes of {your/SP's} hearing loss?
English Instructions:
INTERVIEWER INSTRUCTION: CODE ALL THAT APPLY HAND CARD AUQ1
Target:
Both males and females 6 YEARS - 19 YEARS
Target:
Both males and females 70 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
7 Loud brief explosive noise/sounds 90 90
. Missing 8807 8897

AUQ410h - Cause of hearing loss-Long-term noise

Variable Name:
AUQ410h
SAS Label:
Cause of hearing loss-Long-term noise
English Text:
What are the main causes of {your/SP's} hearing loss?
English Instructions:
INTERVIEWER INSTRUCTION: CODE ALL THAT APPLY HAND CARD AUQ1
Target:
Both males and females 6 YEARS - 19 YEARS
Target:
Both males and females 70 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
8 Noise exposure, long-term (machinery, etc.) 188 188
. Missing 8709 8897

AUQ410i - Cause of hearing loss-Aging

Variable Name:
AUQ410i
SAS Label:
Cause of hearing loss-Aging
English Text:
What are the main causes of {your/SP's} hearing loss?
English Instructions:
INTERVIEWER INSTRUCTION: CODE ALL THAT APPLY HAND CARD AUQ1
Target:
Both males and females 6 YEARS - 19 YEARS
Target:
Both males and females 70 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
9 Aging, getting older 312 312
. Missing 8585 8897

AUQ410j - Cause of hearing loss-Others

Variable Name:
AUQ410j
SAS Label:
Cause of hearing loss-Others
English Text:
What are the main causes of {your/SP's} hearing loss?
English Instructions:
INTERVIEWER INSTRUCTION: CODE ALL THAT APPLY HAND CARD AUQ1
Target:
Both males and females 6 YEARS - 19 YEARS
Target:
Both males and females 70 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
10 Other causes 26 26
. Missing 8871 8897

AUQ156 - Ever used assistive listening devices?

Variable Name:
AUQ156
SAS Label:
Ever used assistive listening devices?
English Text:
Because of hearing loss, {have you/has SP} ever used any of the following to improve {your/his/her} communication: FM systems, closed-captioned television, instant or text messages, live video streaming, amplified telephone, relay services, or a sign-language interpreter?
Target:
Both males and females 6 YEARS - 19 YEARS
Target:
Both males and females 70 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 124 124
2 No 482 606
7 Refused 0 606
9 Don't know 0 606
. Missing 8291 8897

AUQ420 - Ever had ear infections or earaches?

Variable Name:
AUQ420
SAS Label:
Ever had ear infections or earaches?
English Text:
{Have you/Has SP} ever had ear infections or earaches?
Target:
Both males and females 6 YEARS - 19 YEARS
Target:
Both males and females 70 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 1621 1621
2 No 1717 3338 AUQ144
7 Refused 0 3338 AUQ144
9 Don't know 15 3353 AUQ144
. Missing 5544 8897

AUQ430 - Ever had 3 or more ear infections?

Variable Name:
AUQ430
SAS Label:
Ever had 3 or more ear infections?
English Text:
{Have you/Has SP} ever had 3 or more ear infections or earaches?
Target:
Both males and females 6 YEARS - 19 YEARS
Target:
Both males and females 70 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 752 752
2 No 849 1601
7 Refused 0 1601
9 Don't know 20 1621
. Missing 7276 8897

AUQ139 - Ever had tube placed in ear?

Variable Name:
AUQ139
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 or to treat ear infections?
Target:
Both males and females 6 YEARS - 19 YEARS
Target:
Both males and females 70 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 196 196
2 No 1408 1604
7 Refused 1 1605
9 Don't know 16 1621
. Missing 7276 8897

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 /SP} had {your/his/her} hearing tested by a hearing specialist?
English Instructions:
READ CATEGORIES IF NECESSARY
Target:
Both males and females 6 YEARS - 19 YEARS
Target:
Both males and females 70 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Less than a year ago 829 829
2 1 year to 4 years ago 932 1761
3 5 to 9 years ago 366 2127
4 Ten or more years ago 316 2443
5 Never 794 3237
7 Refused 3 3240
9 Don't know 113 3353
. Missing 5544 8897

AUQ147 - Now use hearing aid/ amplifier/ implant

Variable Name:
AUQ147
SAS Label:
Now use hearing aid/ amplifier/ implant
English Text:
{Do you/Does SP} now wear or use a hearing aid, a personal sound amplifier, or cochlear implant?
Target:
Both males and females 6 YEARS - 19 YEARS
Target:
Both males and females 70 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 215 215
2 No 3138 3353 AUQ630
7 Refused 0 3353 AUQ630
9 Don't know 0 3353 AUQ630
. Missing 5544 8897

AUQ149a - Now use a hearing aid

Variable Name:
AUQ149a
SAS Label:
Now use a hearing aid
English Text:
Which was it?
English Instructions:
CODE ALL THAT APPLY IF ANY OR ALL RESPONSE OPTIONS 1, 2, OR 3 ARE SELECTED, GO TO AUQ153.
Target:
Both males and females 6 YEARS - 19 YEARS
Target:
Both males and females 70 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 A hearing aid 207 207
7 Refused 0 207 AUQ435
9 Don't know 0 207 AUQ435
. Missing 8690 8897

AUQ149b - Now use a personal sound amplifier

Variable Name:
AUQ149b
SAS Label:
Now use a personal sound amplifier
English Text:
Which was it?
English Instructions:
CODE ALL THAT APPLY CAPI INSTRUCTION: IF ANY OR ALL RESPONSE OPTIONS 1, 2, OR 3 ARE SELECTED, GO TO AUQ153.
Target:
Both males and females 6 YEARS - 19 YEARS
Target:
Both males and females 70 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
2 A personal sound amplifier 8 8
. Missing 8889 8897

AUQ149c - Now have a cochlear implant

Variable Name:
AUQ149c
SAS Label:
Now have a cochlear implant
English Text:
Which was it?
English Instructions:
CODE ALL THAT APPLY CAPI INSTRUCTION: IF ANY OR ALL RESPONSE OPTIONS 1, 2, OR 3 ARE SELECTED, GO TO AUQ153.
Target:
Both males and females 6 YEARS - 19 YEARS
Target:
Both males and females 70 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
3 A Cochlear implant 4 4
. Missing 8893 8897

AUQ153 - Past 2 weeks how often worn hearing aid

Variable Name:
AUQ153
SAS Label:
Past 2 weeks how often worn hearing aid
English Text:
In the past 2 weeks, how often {have you/has SP} worn a {hearing aid and/or personal sound amplifier and/or cochlear implant}? If unsure, provide your best estimate of the average amount of time {you have/he has/she has} worn {your/his/her} {hearing aid, and/or personal sound amplifier, and/or cochlear implant}.
English Instructions:
CAPI INSTRUCTION: IF AUQ149 = 1, DISPLAY "hearing aid" IF AUQ149 = 2, DISPLAY "personal sound amplifier" IF AUQ149 = 3, DISPLAY "cochlear implant" IF AUQ149 = 1 AND AUQ149 = 2, DISPLAY "hearing aid and/or personal sound amplifier" IF AUQ149 = 1 AND AUQ.149 = 3, DISPLAY "hearing aid and/or cochlear implant" IF AUQ149 = 2 AND AUQ.149 = 3, DISPLAY "personal sound amplifier and/or cochlear implant" IF AUQ149 = 1 AND AUQ149 = 2 AND AUQ149 = 3, DISPLAY "hearing aid and/or personal sound amplifier and/or cochlear implant" READ CATEGORIES IF NECESSARY.
Target:
Both males and females 6 YEARS - 19 YEARS
Target:
Both males and females 70 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Less than 1 hour a day 10 10 AUQ435
2 1 to 3 hours a day 16 26 AUQ435
3 4 to 7 hours a day 32 58 AUQ435
4 8 or more hours per day 138 196 AUQ435
5 Never 19 215 AUQ435
7 Refused 0 215 AUQ435
9 Don't know 0 215 AUQ435
. Missing 8682 8897

AUQ630 - Ever worn hearing aid/amplifier/implant

Variable Name:
AUQ630
SAS Label:
Ever worn hearing aid/amplifier/implant
English Text:
{Have you/Has SP} ever worn or used a hearing aid, a personal sound amplifier, or cochlear implant in the past?
Target:
Both males and females 6 YEARS - 19 YEARS
Target:
Both males and females 70 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 46 46
2 No 3092 3138
7 Refused 0 3138
9 Don't know 0 3138
. Missing 5759 8897

AUQ435 - CHECK ITEM

Variable Name:
AUQ435
English Instructions:
BOX 4A. IF SP AGE >= 6 AND SP AGE <= 15 CONTINUE. OTHERWISE, GO TO AUQ101.
Target:
Both males and females 6 YEARS - 150 YEARS

AUQ440 - Ever had Special Ed/Early Intervention

Variable Name:
AUQ440
SAS Label:
Ever had Special Ed/Early Intervention
English Text:
Has SP ever received Special Education or Early Intervention Services for speech-language, reading, hearing or listening skills, intellectual disability, movement or mobility difficulties (e.g., using arms or legs), or other developmental or disability problems?
Target:
Both males and females 6 YEARS - 15 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 359 359
2 No 1356 1715 AUQ460
7 Refused 0 1715 AUQ460
9 Don't know 1 1716 AUQ460
. Missing 7181 8897

AUQ450a - Had service for speech-language

Variable Name:
AUQ450a
SAS Label:
Had service for speech-language
English Text:
Which was it?
English Instructions:
INTERVIEWER INSTRUCTION: CODE ALL THAT APPLY HAND CARD AUQ2
Target:
Both males and females 6 YEARS - 15 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Speech-language 239 239
77 Refused 0 239
99 Don't know 0 239
. Missing 8658 8897

AUQ450b - Had service for reading

Variable Name:
AUQ450b
SAS Label:
Had service for reading
English Text:
Which was it?
English Instructions:
INTERVIEWER INSTRUCTION: CODE ALL THAT APPLY HAND CARD AUQ2
Target:
Both males and females 6 YEARS - 15 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
2 Reading 155 155
. Missing 8742 8897

AUQ450c - Had service for hearing/listening skills

Variable Name:
AUQ450c
SAS Label:
Had service for hearing/listening skills
English Text:
Which was it?
English Instructions:
INTERVIEWER INSTRUCTION: CODE ALL THAT APPLY HAND CARD AUQ2
Target:
Both males and females 6 YEARS - 15 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
3 Hearing or listening skills 38 38
. Missing 8859 8897

AUQ450d - Had service for intellectual disability

Variable Name:
AUQ450d
SAS Label:
Had service for intellectual disability
English Text:
Which was it?
English Instructions:
INTERVIEWER INSTRUCTION: CODE ALL THAT APPLY HAND CARD AUQ2
Target:
Both males and females 6 YEARS - 15 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
4 Intellectual disability 48 48
. Missing 8849 8897

AUQ450e - Had service for movement/mobility issues

Variable Name:
AUQ450e
SAS Label:
Had service for movement/mobility issues
English Text:
Which was it?
English Instructions:
INTERVIEWER INSTRUCTION: CODE ALL THAT APPLY HAND CARD AUQ2
Target:
Both males and females 6 YEARS - 15 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
5 Movement or mobility difficulties 42 42
. Missing 8855 8897

AUQ450f - Had service for other disabilities

Variable Name:
AUQ450f
SAS Label:
Had service for other disabilities
English Text:
Which was it?
English Instructions:
INTERVIEWER INSTRUCTION: CODE ALL THAT APPLY HAND CARD AUQ2
Target:
Both males and females 6 YEARS - 15 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
6 Other developmental or disability problems 78 78
. Missing 8819 8897

AUQ460 - Exposed to very loud noise 10+ hrs/wk

Variable Name:
AUQ460
SAS Label:
Exposed to very loud noise 10+ hrs/wk
English Text:
Has SP ever been exposed to very loud noise or music for 10 or more hours a week for a period of 3 months or longer? This is noise so loud {he/she has} to shout to be understood or heard 3 feet away.
Target:
Both males and females 6 YEARS - 15 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 31 31
2 No 1683 1714 End of Section
7 Refused 0 1714 End of Section
9 Don't know 2 1716 End of Section
. Missing 7181 8897

AUQ470 - How long exposed to loud noise 10+hrs/wk

Variable Name:
AUQ470
SAS Label:
How long exposed to loud noise 10+hrs/wk
English Text:
How long has SP been exposed to very loud noise or music for 10 or more hours a week? This is noise so loud that {he/she has} to shout to be understood or heard 3 feet away.
English Instructions:
READ CATEGORIES IF NECESSARY
Target:
Both males and females 6 YEARS - 15 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Less than 1 year 12 12 End of Section
2 1 to 2 years 5 17 End of Section
3 3 to 4 years 4 21 End of Section
4 5 or more years 9 30 End of Section
7 Refused 0 30 End of Section
9 Don't know 1 31 End of Section
. Missing 8866 8897

AUQ101 - Difficult to follow conversation w/noise

Variable Name:
AUQ101
SAS Label:
Difficult to follow conversation w/noise
English Text:
How often {do you/does SP} have difficulty hearing and understanding 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 AUQ3
Target:
Both males and females 16 YEARS - 19 YEARS
Target:
Both males and females 70 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Always 128 128
2 Usually 199 327
3 About half the time 300 627
4 Seldom 532 1159
5 Never 475 1634
7 Refused 0 1634
9 Don't know 2 1636
. Missing 7261 8897

AUQ110 - Hearing causes frustration when talking?

Variable Name:
AUQ110
SAS Label:
Hearing causes 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 AUQ3
Target:
Both males and females 16 YEARS - 19 YEARS
Target:
Both males and females 70 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Always 63 63
2 Usually 105 168
3 About half the time 159 327
4 Seldom 358 685
5 Never 949 1634
7 Refused 1 1635
9 Don't know 1 1636
. Missing 7261 8897

AUQ480 - Avoid groups, limit social life?

Variable Name:
AUQ480
SAS Label:
Avoid groups, limit social life?
English Text:
How often does {your/SP's} hearing cause {you/him/her} to avoid groups of people, limiting or hampering {your/his/her} personal or social life? Would you say...
English Instructions:
HAND CARD AUQ3
Target:
Both males and females 16 YEARS - 19 YEARS
Target:
Both males and females 70 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Always 33 33
2 Usually 47 80
3 About half the time 95 175
4 Seldom 221 396
5 Never 1237 1633
7 Refused 1 1634
9 Don't know 2 1636
. Missing 7261 8897

AUQ490 - Problem with dizziness, lightheadedness?

Variable Name:
AUQ490
SAS Label:
Problem with dizziness, lightheadedness?
English Text:
During the past 12 months, {have you/has SP} had a problem with dizziness, lightheadedness, feeling as if {you are/s/he is} going to pass out or faint, unsteadiness or imbalance?
English Instructions:
INTERVIEWER INSTRUCTION: DO NOT INCLUDE TIMES WHEN DRINKING ALCOHOL.
Target:
Both males and females 16 YEARS - 19 YEARS
Target:
Both males and females 70 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 595 595
2 No 1038 1633
7 Refused 0 1633
9 Don't know 3 1636
. Missing 7261 8897

AUQ191 - Ears ringing, buzzing past year?

Variable Name:
AUQ191
SAS Label:
Ears ringing, 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 16 YEARS - 19 YEARS
Target:
Both males and females 70 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 282 282
2 No 1352 1634 AUQ300
7 Refused 0 1634 AUQ300
9 Don't know 2 1636 AUQ300
. Missing 7261 8897

AUQ250 - How long bothered by ringing, buzzing?

Variable Name:
AUQ250
SAS Label:
How long bothered by ringing, buzzing?
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 16 YEARS - 19 YEARS
Target:
Both males and females 70 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Less than three months 40 40
2 Three months to a year 40 80
3 1 to 4 years 51 131
4 5 to 9 years 35 166
5 Ten or more years 112 278
7 Refused 0 278
9 Don't know 4 282
. Missing 8615 8897

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 16 YEARS - 19 YEARS
Target:
Both males and females 70 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Almost always 111 111
2 At least once a day 41 152
3 At least once a week 42 194
4 At least once a month 27 221
5 Less frequently than once a month 59 280
7 Refused 0 280
9 Don't know 2 282
. Missing 8615 8897

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 16 YEARS - 19 YEARS
Target:
Both males and females 70 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 47 47
2 No 230 277
7 Refused 0 277
9 Don't know 5 282
. Missing 8615 8897

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 16 YEARS - 19 YEARS
Target:
Both males and females 70 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 92 92
2 No 189 281
7 Refused 0 281
9 Don't know 1 282
. Missing 8615 8897

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 16 YEARS - 19 YEARS
Target:
Both males and females 70 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 No problem 76 76
2 A small problem 106 182
3 A moderate problem 78 260
4 A big problem 17 277
5 A very big problem 5 282
7 Refused 0 282
9 Don't know 0 282
. Missing 8615 8897

AUQ500 - Discussed ringing with doctor?

Variable Name:
AUQ500
SAS Label:
Discussed ringing with doctor?
English Text:
{Have you/Has SP} ever discussed this ringing, roaring, or buzzing in {your/his/her} ears or head with {your/his/her} doctor or other health care professional?
Target:
Both males and females 16 YEARS - 19 YEARS
Target:
Both males and females 70 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 147 147
2 No 133 280
7 Refused 0 280
9 Don't know 2 282
. Missing 8615 8897

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 16 YEARS - 19 YEARS
Target:
Both males and females 70 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 646 646
2 No 989 1635 AUQ330
7 Refused 1 1636 AUQ330
9 Don't know 0 1636 AUQ330
. Missing 7261 8897

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 16 YEARS - 19 YEARS
Target:
Both males and females 70 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 1 to less than 100 rounds 289 289
2 100 to less than 1000 rounds 154 443
3 1000 to less than 10,000 rounds 131 574
4 10,000 to less than 50,000 rounds 45 619
5 50,000 rounds or more 15 634
7 Refused 2 636
9 Don't know 10 646
. Missing 8251 8897

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 16 YEARS - 19 YEARS
Target:
Both males and females 70 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Always 154 154
2 Usually 56 210
3 About half the time 55 265
4 Seldom 69 334
5 Never 309 643
7 Refused 1 644
9 Don't know 2 646
. Missing 8251 8897

AUQ330 - Ever had job exposure to loud noise?

Variable Name:
AUQ330
SAS Label:
Ever had job exposure to loud noise?
English Text:
These next questions are about noise exposure {you/SP} may have had at work. {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 16 YEARS - 19 YEARS
Target:
Both males and females 70 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 485 485
2 No 1061 1546 AUQ370
3 Never worked 88 1634 AUQ370
7 Refused 0 1634 AUQ370
9 Don't know 2 1636 AUQ370
. Missing 7261 8897

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 16 YEARS - 19 YEARS
Target:
Both males and females 70 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Less than 3 months 46 46
2 3 to 11 months 41 87
3 1 to 2 years 52 139
4 3 to 4 years 43 182
5 5 to 9 years 56 238
6 10 to 14 years 44 282
7 15 or more years 203 485
77 Refused 0 485
99 Don't know 0 485
. Missing 8412 8897

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 16 YEARS - 19 YEARS
Target:
Both males and females 70 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 297 297
2 No 186 483 AUQ370
7 Refused 0 483 AUQ370
9 Don't know 2 485 AUQ370
. Missing 8412 8897

AUQ360 - How long exposed to very loud noise?

Variable Name:
AUQ360
SAS Label:
How long exposed to very loud noise?
English Text:
This next question is about {your/SP's} work in jobs where there was very loud noise for 4 or more hours a day, several days a week. Please give me the total number of months or years for all jobs where this has happened.
English Instructions:
READ CATEGORIES IF NECESSARY
Target:
Both males and females 16 YEARS - 19 YEARS
Target:
Both males and females 70 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Less than 3 months 18 18
2 3 to 11 months 21 39
3 1 to 2 years 31 70
4 3 to 4 years 30 100
5 5 to 9 years 43 143
6 10 to 14 years 20 163
7 15 or more years 132 295
8 Not exposed 0 295
77 Refused 0 295
99 Don't know 2 297
. Missing 8600 8897

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 16 YEARS - 19 YEARS
Target:
Both males and females 70 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 185 185
2 No 1450 1635 AUQ380
7 Refused 0 1635 AUQ380
9 Don't know 1 1636 AUQ380
. Missing 7261 8897

AUQ510 - How long exposed to loud noise 10+hrs/wk

Variable Name:
AUQ510
SAS Label:
How long exposed to loud noise 10+hrs/wk
English Text:
How long {have you/has SP} 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.
English Instructions:
READ CATEGORIES IF NECESSARY
Target:
Both males and females 16 YEARS - 19 YEARS
Target:
Both males and females 70 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Less than 1 year 56 56
2 1 to 2 years 25 81
3 3 to 4 years 18 99
4 5 or more years 85 184
7 Refused 0 184
9 Don't know 1 185
. Missing 8712 8897

AUQ380 - Past year: worn hearing protection?

Variable Name:
AUQ380
SAS Label:
Past year: worn hearing protection?
English Text:
In the past 12 months, how often did {you/SP} wear hearing protection devices (ear plugs, ear muffs) when exposed to very loud sounds or noise?
English Instructions:
INTERVIEWER INSTRUCTION: PLEASE INCLUDE BOTH ON THE JOB AND OFF THE JOB EXPOSURES. HAND CARD AUQ4
Target:
Both males and females 16 YEARS - 19 YEARS
Target:
Both males and females 70 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Always 71 71
2 Usually 63 134
3 About half the time 36 170
4 Seldom 107 277
5 Never 987 1264
6 No noise exposure past 12 months 372 1636
77 Refused 0 1636
99 Don't know 0 1636
. Missing 7261 8897

Appendix I

Topic Target/Item 1999-2004 2005-2010 2011-2012 & 2015-2016 2017-2018
General hearing condition Target Age 1+ 1+ 1+ 1+
General hearing condition AUQ130 AUQ131 AUQ054 AUQ054
Specific hearing issues – all ages Target Age NA NA 20-69 6-19 & 70+
Hear a whisper from across a quiet room Not Included Not Included AUQ060 AUQ060
Hear normal voice across a quiet room Not Included Not Included AUQ070 AUQ070
Hear a shout from across a quiet room Not Included Not Included AUQ080 AUQ080
Hear if spoken loudly to in better ear Not Included Not Included AUQ090 AUQ090
Specific hearing issues - adult Target Age NA NA 20-69 16-19 & 70+
Difficult to follow conversation w/noise Not Included Not Included AUQ100 AUQ101
Hearing causes frustration when talking Not Included Not Included AUQ110 AUQ110
Avoid groups, limit social life Not Included Not Included Not Included AUQ480
Age of hear loss diagnosis and cause Target Age NA NA NA 6-19 & 70+
Age began to have hearing loss Not Included Not Included Not Included AUQ400
Cause of hearing loss-Genetic/hereditary Not Included Not Included Not Included AUQ410A
Cause of hearing loss-Ear infections Not Included Not Included Not Included AUQ410B
Cause of hearing loss-Ear diseases Not Included Not Included Not Included AUQ410C
Cause of hearing loss-Illness/infections Not Included Not Included Not Included AUQ410D
Cause of hearing loss-Drugs/medications Not Included Not Included Not Included AUQ410E
Cause of hearing loss-Head/neck injury Not Included Not Included Not Included AUQ410F
Cause of hearing loss-Loud brief noise Not Included Not Included Not Included AUQ410G
Cause of hearing loss-Long-term noise Not Included Not Included Not Included AUQ410H
Cause of hearing loss-Aging Not Included Not Included Not Included AUQ410I
Cause of hearing loss-Other Not Included Not Included Not Included AUQ410J
Ear infections and tubes Target Age NA 12-19 20+ 6-19 & 70+
Ever had ear infections or earaches Not Included Not Included Not Included AUQ420
Ever had 3 or more ear infections Not Included AUQ136 AUQ136 AUQ430
Ever had tube placed in ear Not Included AUQ138 AUQ138 AUQ139
Hearing testing Target Age 20+ 12+ 20-69 6-19 & 70+
Last time hearing tested by specialist AUQ140 AUQ141 AUQ144 AUQ144
Use of hearing aids, amplifier, implants, or assistive listening devices Target Age 20+ 12+ 20+ 6-19 & 70+
Ever worn hearing aid, amplifier, or implant AUQ150a AUQ150a AUQ146b & AUD148b AUQ630
Now use hearing aid, amplifier, or implant Not Included Not Included Not Included AUQ147
Now use a hearing aid AUQ160 Not Included Not Included AUQ149A
Now use a personal sound amplifier Not Included Not Included Not Included AUQ149B
Now have a cochlear implant Not Included Not Included Not Included AUQ149C
Worn hearing aid in past 12 months AUQ170 Not Included Not Included Not Included
How often worn hearing aid in past 12 months AUQ180 Not Included AUQ152c Not Included
Worn hearing aid 5 hours a week in past 12 months Not Included AUQ171 Not Included Not Included
Past 2 weeks how often worn hearing aid Not Included Not Included Not Included AUQ153
Ever used assistive listening devices Not Included AUQ185 AUQ154 AUQ156
Special education services - children Target Age NA NA NA 6-15
Ever had special ed/early intervention Not Included Not Included Not Included AUQ440
Had service for speech-language Not Included Not Included Not Included AUQ450A
Had service for reading Not Included Not Included Not Included AUQ450B
Had service for hearing/listening skills Not Included Not Included Not Included AUQ450C
Had service for intellectual disability Not Included Not Included Not Included AUQ450D
Had service for movement/mobility issues Not Included Not Included Not Included AUQ450E
Had service for other disabilities Not Included Not Included Not Included AUQ450F
Noise exposure - children Target Age NA NA NA 6-15
Exposed to very loud noise 10+ hrs/wk Not Included Not Included Not Included AUQ460
How long exposed to loud noise 10+hrs/wk Not Included Not Included Not Included AUQ470
Associated physical conditions Target Age 20+ 12+ 20-69 16-19 & 70+
Problem with dizziness, lightheadedness? Not Included Not Included Not Included AUQ490
Ears ringing, buzzing past year AUQ190 AUQ191 AUQ191 AUQ191
How long bothered by ringing, buzzing Not Included AUQ250 AUQ250 AUQ250
In past yr how often had ringing/roaring AUQ200 Not Included AUQ255 AUQ255
Bothered by ringing after loud sounds Not Included AUQ260 AUQ260 AUQ260
Bothered by ringing when going to sleep Not Included AUQ270 AUQ270 AUQ270
How much of a problem is ringing Not Included AUQ280 AUQ280 AUQ280
Discussed ringing with doctor Not Included Not Included Not Included AUQ500
Noise exposure - adults Target Age 20+ 12+ 20-69 16-19 & 70+
Ever used firearms for any reason AUQ210 AUQ211 AUQ300 AUQ300
How many total rounds ever fired Not Included Not Included AUQ310 AUQ310
Wear hearing protection when shooting AUQ220 Not Included AUQ320 AUQ320
Ever exposed to loud noise at work Not Included AUQ290 AUQ330/ AUQ331d AUQ330
How long exposed to loud noise at work Not Included Not Included AUQ340 AUQ340
Ever exposed to very loud noise at work Not Included Not Included AUQ350 AUQ350
How long exposed to very loud noise at work Not Included Not Included AUQ360/ AUQ361 AUQ360
Had off-work exposure to very loud noise AUQ230 AUQ231d AUQ370d AUQ370
How long exposed to off-work very loud noise Not Included Not Included Not Included AUQ510
Past year: worn hearing protection for both on the job and off the job noise exposures Not Included AUQ241 AUQ380e AUQ380
Past year: worn hearing protection for noise outside of work AUQ240 Not Included AUQ381f Not Included

NOTES:
a: Only asked about hearing aid use.
b: Only asked about hearing aid/implant use.
c: Response categories differ from previous cycles.
d: Exposure definition changed from previous cycles.
e: Only collected in 2011-12 cycle.
f: Only collected in 2015-16 cycle.