Can we establish internationally equivalent outcome measures in audiological rehabilitation?

Objective: This paper intends to discuss issues related to cultural, ethnic , and other nonaudiological variables that may affect the response when try ing to determine outcome of audiological rehabilitation in different countr ies. Design: The ideal measure for the determination of outcome of audiological rehabilitation would be sensitive to changes in disability as well as handi cap. Further, it would allow unforeseen effects to be identified and not be limited by language borders or cultural and ethnic differences. A variety of critical factors are discussed that are related to culture, social tradi tions, ethnic factors, etc. that may affect outcome measures and thus make international equivalence difficult. Conclusions: With careful consideration of the factors discussed, a basic s et of questions could be formulated and agreed on, calibrated on suitable p opulations in different countries, and thereafter used as a bridge across b orders to allow comparison of different procedures or mete-analyses of stud ies performed by different laboratories.