The Sampling Problem in a Hearing Survey

Abstract

The stated purpose of any hearing survey is the collection of a random sampling of the hearing acuity of a specific population. However, it is apparent from the results of previous hearing surveys that there appears to be a sampling bias. Glorig and Wheeler¹ state that those individuals who do take advantage of such testing may be persons who suspect a hearing difficulty. This would tend to weight the test results in the direction of impaired hearing. The results of a hearing survey conducted at county fairs in the State of Ohio² appeared to indicate that such was the case. As a result of such previous difficulties, the Ohio Department of Health became interested in the development of a possible approach that might insure a random sampling of the hearing acuity of the adult population of Ohio. It was decided to set up a "pilot" program at one