The Netherlands Longitudinal Study on Hearing is a web-based cohort study examining the relationship between hearing impairment and several aspects of life. Adults with hearing impairment as well as those with normal hearing, aged between 18 and 70 years at inclusion, take part in this study.

Inclusion to the NL-SH commenced in 2006 and is ongoing. Measurements are repeated every five years on an individual basis, with 5-year follow-up having started in 2011, 10-year follow-up in 2016 and 15-year follow-up in 2021. The 20-year follow-up of participants starts

nl-sh cohort logo

Participants perform an online speech-in-noise-test, known as the National Hearing Test, to assess their hearing ability. They are also asked to fill out a set of online questionnaires regarding their hearing status, hearing aid or cochlear implant use, coping with hearing impairment, self-reported hearing disability, work situation and work related outcomes (work performance, need for recovery), psychosocial health (depression, anxiety, distress, somatization, loneliness), health-related quality of life, other chronic conditions, health care use, lifestyle (smoking, alcohol) and social media use. Currently over 3000 people have enrolled.

Website: www.hooronderzoek.nl

Contact person: Marieke van Wier, NL-SH study coordinator
Contact: info@hooronderzoek.nl