Component Description
The audiometry questionnaire (AUQ_L) data file provides personal interview data on self-assessed hearing condition, causes of hearing trouble, and a history of the hearing test.
Eligible Sample
All survey participants aged 1 year and older in the NHANES August 2021–August 2023 sample are included in this dataset.
Interview Setting and Mode of Administration
These questions were asked in the home or on the phone, by trained interviewers using the Computer-Assisted Personal Interview (CAPI) system. Hand cards showing response categories were also used for some questions. When necessary, household interviewers read the hand cards to survey participants.
Participants 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 who could not answer the questions themselves.
The NHANES August 2021-August 2023 questionnaires are available 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. Interviewers were required to audio-record interviews. The recorded interviews were reviewed by interviewer supervisors and NCHS staff.
Data Processing and Editing
Frequency counts were checked, “skip” patterns were verified, and the reasonableness of question responses was reviewed. Edits were made to some variables to ensure the completeness, consistency, and analytic usefulness of the data. Edits were also made, when necessary, to address data disclosure concerns.
Analytic Notes
The analysis of NHANES August 2021–August 2023 AUQ must be conducted using the appropriate survey design variables, sample weights, and the basic demographic variables. Interview weights should only be used if questionnaire data are analyzed by themselves. However, if AUQ data are merged with the MEC examination data or laboratory full sample data, the MEC examination weights should be used for analyses. If AUQ data are merged with laboratory subsample data, subsample weights should be used for analyses.
Please also refer to the NHANES Analytic Guidelines and the on-line NHANES Tutorial for details on the use of sample weights and other analytic issues.