Hearing ability was operationalized as the ability to recognize speech in noise. It was measured using the “National Hearing Test.” This is a screening test that measures the recognition of digit triplets in noise by determining the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) that corresponds to 50% intelligibility
References: Goderie T, van Wier MF, Lissenberg-Witte BI, Merkus P, Smits C, Leemans CR, Kramer SE. Factors Associated With the Development of Tinnitus and With the Degree of Annoyance Caused by Newly Developed Tinnitus. Ear Hear. 2022 Nov-Dec 01;43(6):1807-1815. doi: 10.1097/AUD.0000000000001250. Epub 2022 Oct 18. PMID: 35729718; PMCID: PMC9592178.