Development and Validation of a Brief Version of the Vanderbilt Fatigue Scale for Adults: The VFS-A-10.

The samples were convenience samples recruited from clinics, online postings, and a sponsor laboratory, so they may not represent all adults with hearing loss. Most participants were female, and hearing loss was largely self-reported; objective thresholds were available for only a subset. The Phase 2 sample had mostly mild or slight self-reported impairment, so it does not fully address people with severe-to-profound loss. The study did not test whether any intervention reduces fatigue, so it cannot show treatment effects. One model fit index did not meet the authors' criterion (RMSEA 0.106), although other fit indices were good. Test-retest intervals varied (median 28 days, range 5-90 days), and stability was not tested over longer periods. The scale has not been validated in the other populations the authors suggest, such as non-native speakers or hidden hearing loss.

The supplied text identifies Starkey, Inc. as the study sponsor for a small group of Phase 2 participants. The article also lists NIH extramural and non-U.S. government research support. No full conflict-of-interest statement is provided in the text.

Do not read this as evidence that hearing aids, therapy, or fatigue management reduce listening-related fatigue. The study validates a self-report scale and compares groups by hearing loss; it did not test an intervention.