Studying subjective hearing loss in older adults measured by speech, spatial, and quality of hearing scale within the framework of the ICF core set for hearing loss

Abstract

Objective This study aimed to assess categories underlying subjective hearing loss (SHL) in older adults using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability (ICF) and Health-Brief Core Set for Hearing Loss (ICF-BCS-HL). Design A cross-sectional study. One-hundred and thirty-one independent-living older adults (Mage = 72.32, SD = 6.83), who completed the speech, spatial, and quality of hearing (SSQ) scale and a set of clinically accepted outcome measurements linked with selected categories listed in the ICF-BCS-HL. Results A linear regression analysis model was fitted with the outcome measurements after controlling for age, sex, education, multimorbidity, and hearing aid use. The model showed 5 significant predictors underlying the SSQ-total score: HL (ß = −.38, p ≤ .001), dizziness handicap (ß = −.35, p ≤ .001), cognitive decline (ß = .17, p < .05), multimorbidity (ß = .12, p < .005), and poor ability to accept the noise level (ß = −.16, p = p < .05). Predictors varied across the SSQ-subscales scores, however. Conclusion A link of SHL with HL, cognitive deficits, poor ability to accept background noise level, and multimorbidity, collectively or individually, were well-established. So far, little attention has been paid to the impact of dizziness handicap of elderly patients when evaluating their SHL.