Table 2 Questionnaires applied in the study. Scoring, min and max scores, mean scores and standard deviations, as well as the Cronbach’s α for total scales and sub-scales

Outcomes

Abbreviated profile of hearing aid benefit

APHAB

12

Four-point Likert format (Higher is better)

"I have to ask people to repeat themselves in one-on-one conversations in a quiet room"

1

3.92

2.63 (.70)

.93

Communication in quiet conditions

7

1

4

2.86 (.72)

.89

Communication in adverse conditions

5

1

3.8

2.3 (.78)

.89

European Organization for research and treatment core quality of life questionnaire

EORTC QLQ-C30

17

General quality of life

2

Seven-point Likert format (Higher is better) *

"How has your quality of life been the past week"

0

100

73.6 (21.26)

.91

Functional quality of life

15

Four-point Likert format (Higher is better) *

"Have you had difficulties going for a short walk outside?

33

100

85.81 (15.1)

.87

General health questionnaire

GHQ-12

12

Four-point Liker format (Higher means more distress)

"Have you been able to focus completely on what you have been doing?"

1.17

3.08

1.82 (.28)

.81

Predictors

Eysenck personality inventory

EPI

23

Yes or no (Higher score means more neuroticism)

"Do you worry about your health?"

0

19

6.97 (5.04)

.80

Theoretically originated measure of the cognitive activation theory of stress

TOMCATS

7

.75

Positive Coping

1

Four-point Likert format (Higher score means more coping)

"I can solve most difficult situations with a good result"

1

4

3.39 (.60)

Hopelessness

3

Four-point Likert format (Higher score means more hopelessness)

"All my attempts at making things better just make them worse"

1

3.33

1.32 (.56)

.78

Helplessness

3

Four-point Likert format (Higher score means more helplessness)

"All my attempts at changing my life are meaningless"

1

3.67

1.57 (.66)

.77