Examine visual acuity and hearing data within/between sites in various scenarios

Project Summary

High-quality data are essential in large health studies, especially when information is collected at multiple locations using specialized equipment. Even small differences in equipment performance or test administration can influence results. The Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) has collected vision and hearing data from over 30,000 participants in its Comprehensive Cohort. Vision was tested using a standard eye chart, and hearing was assessed using a digital audiometer across several Canadian sites and study waves. During routine review, some issues were identified that may impact the interpretation of data (e.g. in 2 sites paper stickers were not removed from vision chart cabinet). This led to an extensive audit of the vision and hearing data. The results of this work can help researcher better understand the potential for these data as well as their limitations.