Abstract
The differences in perceived handicap among elderly who reported various degrees of hearing aid utilization were assessed. Three groups of 15 listeners each (mean age 74 years, similar mean hearing loss) were: (1) full‐time hearing aid users, (2) part‐time users, and (3) nonusers. The listeners responded to ten questions of the hearing handicap inventory for the elderly (HHIE) [B. E. Weinstein, ASHA, May, 41–45 (1986)] that quantifies self‐perceived handicap. First, groups 1, 2, and 3 responded as if they were not wearing hearing aids. Group 1 assessed themselves as more handicapped than group 3, indicating that people who perceive themselves as handicapped are more likely to rely on hearing aids than people who perceive themselves as marginally handicapped. Second, groups 1 and 2 responded as if they were wearing hearing aids. The full‐time users, but not the part‐time users, assessed themselves as less handicapped in everyday functions when they wore hearing aids than when they did not wear their hearing aids. Apparently, the HHIE reflected the usefulness of hearing aids for the full‐time users. These results will be discussed in reference to background noise levels tolerated by elderly hearing‐impaired listeners. [Work supported by AARP Andrus Foundation.]
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