Communication Self-Assessment Scale for Deaf Adults (CSDA): A Full Guide for Researchers and Clinicians
Published
The CSDA is a self-assessment of communication difficulties, strategies and attitudes in deaf adults. Learn its four scales, scoring and best uses.
Introduction
The Communication Self-Assessment Scale for Deaf Adults (CSDA) is a self-assessment of the difficulties deaf adults perceive in listening situations, how important those situations are, the coping strategies they use and their attitudes toward hearing loss. Harriet Kaplan, Scott J. Bally and Fred Brandt published it in 1991, with a revised version in 1995.
Both versions appeared in the Journal of the American Academy of Audiology, and the authors were at Gallaudet University. This guide explains the CSDA's four scales, scoring, evidence and the settings where it fits best.
Key Features of the CSDA
Purpose and Use
The CSDA assesses perceived communication difficulties in real-life listening situations, along with their importance, coping strategies and attitudes toward hearing loss. It is designed for audiology, Deaf education and aural rehabilitation.
Target Population
The CSDA targets adults aged 18 and older with hearing loss, especially deaf individuals. The revised version also has evidence involving adolescents.
Structure
The original 1991 version has 115 items, and the 1995 revision expanded it to 125 items. Four principal scales cover:
Difficult communication situations: real-life situations, such as noisy places and telephone useImportance of each situation to the respondentCommunication strategies: common tactics, such as lipreading and asking for repetitionAttitudes toward hearing impairmentScoring Method
Respondents answer on a 3-point scale: 1 = never or not important, 2 = sometimes or somewhat important, and 3 = often or very important. Subscale and domain scores are typically summed. Higher scores indicate more frequent difficulties or stronger attitudes.
No cut-off scores are published; scores are interpreted against norms or used as a profile.
Administration Format
The CSDA is self-administered and takes about 15–30 minutes. It can be completed on paper, online, in an in-person interview or by phone or video call.
Applications of the CSDA
The CSDA is best used when detailed, individual communication profiles are needed:
Treatment planning: identifying specific communication challenges to plan interventions.Monitoring: following communication difficulties over time.Research: studying communication in deaf adults, for example in complex aural rehabilitation cases.Languages and availability
The original version is in English, and a Greek version has been reported. The original articles note that the instrument is available by request from the authors; check permission with the copyright holders before reproducing or redistributing it.
Reliability and Validity
The CSDA is considered highly reliable and valid. The authors report good internal consistency and test–retest reliability for the scales, although exact Cronbach's alpha values are not given in the sources. Furthermore, it was developed with normative data.
Validation studies:
Communication Self-Assessment Scale Inventory for Deaf Adults (1991): study linkRevised Communication Self-Assessment Scale Inventory for Deaf Adults (1995): study linkLimitations and Considerations
Keep these points in mind:
Length: its length requires a significant time investment, so it is not a brief screening tool.Limited validation: few validation studies exist beyond the original work.Language and culture: language barriers and cultural bias may affect results.Self-report biases: responses may be affected by social desirability.Other Versions And Related Questionnaires
The Revised CSDA (1995) expanded the scale to 125 items with improved wording and subscale consistency; no shortened form is known. These questionnaires are related:
Communication Profile for the Hearing Impaired (CPHI); see the ResRef CPHI guideCommunication Attitudes Scale for Deaf (CASD)Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly or Adults (HHIE/HHIA); see the ResRef HHIA guideAdditional Resources
The original article on PubMed: linkFor inquiries or permission, contact the original developers via Gallaudet University, or the American Academy of Audiology for the journal.Browse more ENT questionnaires in the ResRef database.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What does the CSDA measure?The CSDA measures the communication difficulties deaf adults perceive in real-life situations, how important those situations are, the strategies they use and their attitudes toward hearing loss.
How is the CSDA scored?Items use a 3-point scale from never or not important (1) to often or very important (3). Scale scores are typically summed, and higher scores mean more frequent difficulties or stronger attitudes.
How long does the CSDA take?The CSDA takes about 15 to 30 minutes, so it suits detailed assessment rather than quick screening.
How do I get the CSDA?The original articles state that the instrument is available by request from the authors. Check permission with the copyright holders before reproducing it.
A Word from ResRef About the CSDA
The CSDA offers a thorough look at Deaf adults' real-world communication strengths and challenges. It was rigorously developed with normative data, but its length requires a significant time investment. It is best used when detailed individualized communication profiles are needed (e.g. complex aural rehab cases or research), rather than as a brief screening tool.
References
Kaplan, H., Bally, S. J., & Brandt, F. (1991). Communication Self-Assessment Scale Inventory for Deaf Adults. Journal of the American Academy of Audiology, 2(3), 164–82. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1768885/Kaplan, H., Bally, S. J., & Brandt, F. (1995). Revised Communication Self-assessment Scale Inventory for Deaf Adults (CSDA). Journal of the American Academy of Audiology, 6(4), 311–29. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7548931/