Comparison of Nursing Home Hearing Handicap Index with Audiological Findings: A Presbycusis Study

Abstract

Hearing evaluation usually includes hearing threshold assessment, middle ear function, and word recognition tests that lead to an accurate result of peripheral and central auditory system. However, they have some limitations because they cannot fully encompass all aspects of hearing loss problems. Using self-assessment approach, via a questionnaire or telephone survey, is one of the easiest methods to study hearing loss in population. In this research, 60 nursing home residents (27 females and 33 males) ranging from 55 to 85 years with a mean age of 71 ± 5.5 were studied via completing self-assessment questionnaire by the elderly cases (NHHI self-version) and the other one was filled by the nursing home personnel (NHHI staff-version). The effects of the hearing loss level on the self- and staff-version scores indicated that there is a significant relationship between self- and staff-version with hearing loss levels (P < 0.05) in male and female. Results from this study demonstrate the usefulness of NHHI questionnaire for evaluating hearing handicap of aged people and it may be a useful adjunct in setting up treatment and determining proper care.

Exploring the sensory screening experiences of nurses working in long-term care homes with residents who have dementia: a qualitative study

“…In this study, interviewed nurses notably acknowledged the relationship between hearing and vision, and quality of life (QoL), and how impairment in either can negatively influence the individual’s functioning as a whole, as well as their access to social engagement and participation. Research has shown that even without cognitive impairment, the ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs), along with the QoL of LTCH residents, is significantly related to the presence of eye disorders or visual impairment [ 47 , 58 – 61 ]. Likewise, access to social opportunities and QoL, is negatively impacted by hearing impairments [ 62 , 63 ].…”

Score of Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly (HHIE) Compared to Whisper Test on Presbycusis

“…The Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly-Screening (HHIE-S) is a subjective examination, consisting of 10 questionnaires assessing the effect of hearing loss on emotional and social outcomes with a total score between 0 and 40 [6,9]. The HHIE-S questionnaire can be used as a screening tool to identify handicaps due to hearing loss in the elderly [3].…”