Hearing Handicap Inventory For The Elderly-Screening Version Research Articles

Establishment of self-reported hearing cut-off value on the Chinese version of short form of speech, spatial and qualities of hearing scale (SSQ12)

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the Chinese version of Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale (C-SSQ12) in the Chinese Mandarin-speaking population and to determine its screening cut-off value by comparing measured pure-tone average (PTA), the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly-Screening Version (HHIE-S) scores and C-SSQ12 scores. Design All participants completed the C-SSQ12 questionnaire and underwent the pure-tone audiometry. Older subjects aged ≧ 60 years completed the HHIE-S questionnaire. The optimal cut-off value for the C-SSQ12 as a hearing screening tool was calculated by comparing different cut-offs and hearing thresholds. Study sample A total of 300 subjects were recruited. Results There was a negative correlation between C-SSQ12 scores and HHIE-S scores (r = −0.749). C-SSQ12 scores were negatively correlated with PTA (r = −0.507; r = −0.542). The best cut-off value for the C-SSQ12 was 6.0, with a sensitivity of 78.2%, specificity of 80.3%, positive predictive value of 63.7% and negative predictive value of 97.0% (PTA > 40dBHL for bilateral ears). Conclusions Compared to mild hearing loss, the C-SSQ12 is a reliable and validated hearing screening tool with increased sensitivity for detecting moderate-to-severe hearing loss.

Plasma Levels of Interferon Gamma associated with Hearing Loss and Hearing Loss Sensation through the Handicap Questionnaire Inventory for the Elderly Screening Version.

The aim of this study was to verify the association between the auditory handicap found in the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly-Screening Version (HHIE-S) questionnaire and hearing loss and the plasma levels of inflammatory biomarkers. Cross-sectional study with 76 participants, 67 (88%) females and 9 (12%) males, with a mean age of 70 years. Tonal threshold audiometry and self-assessment with HHIE-S questionnaire were performed to measure the plasma levels of interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10; tumor necrosis factor alpha; and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) flow cytometry method. For all data analyzed, the significance level adopted was P < 0.05 and 95% confidence interval. An inverse correlation was observed between the increase in plasma levels of IFN-γ and normal auditory handicap (P = 0.015; rs = -0.280). The severe handicap group showed an increase in the averages I (P = 0.005; rs = 0.350) and II (P = 0.016; rs = 0.368) in the right ear and the light/moderate handicap group increased the means I (P = 0.027; rs = 0.350) and II (P = 0.046; rs = 0.310) of the left ear. A statistically significant association was found between the speech recognition threshold (SRT) test results of the right ear and the severe handicap group (P = 0.002; rs = 0.271). There was an association between the increase in plasma levels of IFN-γ and normal auditory handicap. Additionally, statistically significant associations were observed between the mild/moderate and severe handicap groups with the increase in hearing means and an increase in SRT associated with the severe handicap group.

Associations and Potential Multiple Mechanisms between Subjective Hearing Loss and Cognitive Impairment.

Subjective hearing loss (SHL) refers to an individual's self-assessment of their hearing loss. The association and underlying mechanisms between SHL and cognitive impairment still necessitate elucidation. To validate potential mechanisms between SHL and cognitive impairment. Cross-section. Shanghai, China. A total of 2369 individuals from communities and the cognitive disorder clinic. All participants were subjected to a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment, encompassing the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly-Screening Version (HHIE-S). The participants' brain β-amyloid (Aβ) deposition status, plasma biomarkers associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD), and cardiovascular risk factors were also collected. In individuals with a heightened SHL, elevated HHIE-S score was linked to diminished cognitive and daily functioning as well as heightened levels of depressed mood. This correlation was observed in auditory memory performance but not in visual memory. The influence of SHL on cognitive function was mediated by depressed mood. SHL was associated with diabetes and smoking, whereas cognitive function was associated with hyperlipidemia and alcohol consumption. In individuals with positive brain Aβ deposition, SHL demonstrated associations with cognitive function independent of plasma Aβ42/40 ratio, P-tau181, neurofilament light chain, and APOE allele status. SHL has an independent effect on cognitive impairment. The findings do no provide evidence for the common cause mechanism. Instead, the findings support the presence of a cognitive resource mechanism and an impoverished environment mechanism, along with the potential for a pathological interaction mechanism.

Optimizing age-related hearing risk predictions: an advanced machine learning integration with HHIE-S

ObjectivesThe elderly are disproportionately affected by age-related hearing loss (ARHL). Despite being a well-known tool for ARHL evaluation, the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly Screening version (HHIE-S) has only traditionally been used for direct screening using self-reported outcomes. This work uses a novel integration of machine learning approaches to improve the predicted accuracy of the HHIE-S tool for ARHL in older adults.MethodsWe employed a dataset that was gathered between 2016 and 2018 and included 1,526 senior citizens from several Taipei City Hospital branches. 80% of the data were used for training (n = 1220) and 20% were used for testing (n = 356). XGBoost, Gradient Boosting, and LightGBM were among the machine learning models that were only used and assessed on the training set. In order to prevent data leakage and overfitting, the Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LGBM) model—which had the greatest AUC of 0.83 (95% CI 0.81–0.85)—was then only used on the holdout testing data.ResultsOn the testing set, the LGBM model showed a strong AUC of 0.82 (95% CI 0.79–0.86), far outperforming conventional techniques. Notably, several HHIE-S items and age were found to be significant characteristics. In contrast to traditional HHIE research, which concentrates on the psychological effects of hearing loss, this study combines cutting-edge machine learning techniques—specifically, the LGBM classifier—with the HHIE-S tool. The incorporation of SHAP values enhances the interpretability of the model's predictions and provides a more comprehensive comprehension of the significance of various aspects.ConclusionsOur methodology highlights the great potential that arises from combining machine learning with validated hearing evaluation instruments such as the HHIE-S. Healthcare practitioners can anticipate ARHL more accurately thanks to this integration, which makes it easier to intervene quickly and precisely.

Testing the Informativeness of Diverse Measures of Auditory Processing for Clinical Audiological Practice in Middle-Aged Adults in Mexico.

Standard clinical audiologic assessment is limited in its ability to capture variance in self-reported hearing difficulty. Additionally, the costs associated with clinical testing in audiology create financial barriers for hearing health care in developing countries like Mexico. This study used an open-source Spanish-language tool called PART (Portable Automated Rapid Testing) to test the hypothesis that a battery of assessments of auditory processing can complement standard clinical audiological assessment to better capture the variance of self-reported hearing difficulty. Forty-three adults between 40 and 69 years of age were tested in Mexico City using a traditional clinical pure-tone audiogram, cognitive screening, and a battery of PART-based auditory processing assessments including a speech-on-speech competition spatial release from masking task. Results were compared to self-reported hearing difficulty, assessed with a Spanish-language adaptation of the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly-Screening Version (HHIE-S). Several measures from the PART battery exhibited stronger correlations with self-reported hearing difficulties than the pure-tone audiogram. The spatial release from masking task best captured variance in HHIE-S scores and remained significant after controlling for the effects of age, audibility, and cognitive score. The spatial release from masking task can complement traditional clinical measures to better account for patient's self-reported hearing difficulty. Open-source access to this test in PART supports its implementation for Spanish speakers in clinical settings around the world at low cost. https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.24470140.

Revisão bibliométrica: estratégias de triagem auditiva de idosos

ABSTRACT Purpose: to analyze the profile of publications on methods and instruments used to screen older adults hearing. Methods: the scientific production on older adults hearing screening methods, searching for articles published between 2016 and 2022. Data were collected from PubMed, Scopus, LILACS, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases and the articles were categorized according to their year, study type, authors, and screening instrument. Data were also analyzed to suggest potential aspects to be addressed in future research in the area. Literature Review: altogether, 26 articles were found based on the eligibility criteria. Publications peaked in 2016, followed by 2020. Articles published in the United States predominated (18%), and HHIE-S (hearing handicap inventory for the elderly screening version) was the most used instrument; 90% of the publications were in English, and the most recurrent study type was cross-sectional, followed by instrument validation studies. Conclusion: the review points out the scarcity of scientific production on older adults hearing screening in both national and international research. The studies approached different populations, screening methods, hearing loss definitions, health systems, and public policies in the countries where they were conducted. Better methodologies must be implemented for future research in the area.

Correlation between presbycusis with quality of life based on hearing handicap inventory for the elderly screening version (HHIE-S)

Presbycusis is an age-related hearing loss caused by a degeneration process which is a cumulative effect of various risk factors. Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly-Screening version (HHIE-S) questionnaire is a questionnaire that can be used to measure the quality of life in patients with hearing loss. This study aimed to determine the relationship between presbycusis with the quality of life. The research uses cross sectional analytical research methods. The data used in form of primary data is the result of filling in the guided questionnaire and the results of the audiogram, while secondary data is in the form of medical records of presbycusis patients at Dustira Hospital in the period January 2017-December 2018. Data were analyzed by Chi-Square and Spearman Correlation Test. The incidence of presbycusis in the period January 2017-December 2018 at Dustira Hospital was 2,6%. The result showed most of the patients were 65-74 years old (61,8%), male (52,7%), married (58,2%), economic were similar between moderate and low economic status (49.1%), had a history of chronic diseases (76, 4%), had a moderate degree of hearing loss (61,8%) and had a mild-moderate degree of quality of life (52,7%). Based on HHIE-S questionnaire the results showed that there was a significant and strong relationship between presbycusis and patients’ quality of life (p &lt;0.001) and r=0,509. In conclusion, degrees of hearing loss in presbycusis patients will correspond to degrees of decrease in quality of life.

Correlation between presbycusis with quality of life based on hearing handicap inventory for the elderly screening version (HHIE-S)

Presbycusis is an age-related hearing loss caused by a degeneration process which is a cumulative effect of various risk factors. Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly-Screening version (HHIE-S) questionnaire is a questionnaire that can be used to measure the quality of life in patients with hearing loss. This study aimed to determine the relationship between presbycusis with the quality of life. The research uses cross sectional analytical research methods. The data used in form of primary data is the result of filling in the guided questionnaire and the results of the audiogram, while secondary data is in the form of medical records of presbycusis patients at Dustira Hospital in the period January 2017-December 2018. Data were analyzed by Chi-Square and Spearman Correlation Test. The incidence of presbycusis in the period January 2017-December 2018 at Dustira Hospital was 2,6%. The result showed most of the patients were 65-74 years old (61,8%), male (52,7%), married (58,2%), economic were similar between moderate and low economic status (49.1%), had a history of chronic diseases (76, 4%), had a moderate degree of hearing loss (61,8%) and had a mild-moderate degree of quality of life (52,7%). Based on HHIE-S questionnaire the results showed that there was a significant and strong relationship between presbycusis and patients’ quality of life (p &lt;0.001) and r=0,509. In conclusion, degrees of hearing loss in presbycusis patients will correspond to degrees of decrease in quality of life.

Correlation between presbycusis with quality of life based on hearing handicap inventory for the elderly screening version (HHIE-S)

Presbycusis is an age-related hearing loss caused by a degeneration process which is a cumulative effect of various risk factors. Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly-Screening version (HHIE-S) questionnaire is a questionnaire that can be used to measure the quality of life in patients with hearing loss. This study aimed to determine the relationship between presbycusis with the quality of life. The research uses cross sectional analytical research methods. The data used in form of primary data is the result of filling in the guided questionnaire and the results of the audiogram, while secondary data is in the form of medical records of presbycusis patients at Dustira Hospital in the period January 2017-December 2018. Data were analyzed by Chi-Square and Spearman Correlation Test. The incidence of presbycusis in the period January 2017-December 2018 at Dustira Hospital was 2,6%. The result showed most of the patients were 65-74 years old (61,8%), male (52,7%), married (58,2%), economic were similar between moderate and low economic status (49.1%), had a history of chronic diseases (76, 4%), had a moderate degree of hearing loss (61,8%) and had a mild-moderate degree of quality of life (52,7%). Based on HHIE-S questionnaire the results showed that there was a significant and strong relationship between presbycusis and patients’ quality of life (p &lt;0.001) and r=0,509. In conclusion, degrees of hearing loss in presbycusis patients will correspond to degrees of decrease in quality of life.

Feasibility and Assessment of a Hybrid Audiology Service Delivery Model for Older Adult Hearing Aid Users: A Pilot Study.

The aim of this study was to provide insight for the feasibility and outcomes of hybrid (combination of in-person office and Internet-based appointments) audiology services. This pilot included two phases. First, we surveyed audiologists regarding what elements of a best-practice, in-person delivery of a hearing intervention could be delivered via Internet-based appointments. Next, we piloted the feasibility and assessed outcomes of the procedures identified. Ten first-time hearing aid users aged 70 years and older were fit with Phonak Audeo M90-312T hearing aids. Two Internet-based follow-up appointments were completed using the myPhonak app. We administered the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly-Screening Version (HHIE-S), the Client Oriented Scale of Improvement (COSI), the Quick Speech-in-Noise Test (QuickSIN), and real-ear aided responses (REARs) to determine whether participants experienced improvements on hearing-related outcomes. The Telehealth Acceptance Questionnaire (TAQ) and the Visit-Specific Satisfaction Questionnaire (VSQ-9) were administered to gauge comfort with telehealth and satisfaction with Internet-based appointments. Survey results revealed that after an initial in-person appointment, nearly all follow-up hearing intervention components could be delivered remotely. We performed Wilcoxon signed-ranks tests to determine if the baseline and outcome results differed for outcomes. Baseline scores improved after 6 weeks (ps = .02 and. 005 for QuickSIN and HHIE-S) for speech-in-noise performance and self-perceived hearing difficulties. REARs from 500 to 4000 Hz measured after 6 weeks did not differ from baseline (ps = .612 and .398 for the right and left ears), suggesting no significant deviation from prescriptive targets because of remote fitting adjustments. All participants reported improvement in COSI goals after the intervention. TAQ results suggested that comfort with telehealth improved after attending Internet-based appointments (p = .005). VSQ-9 results revealed no differences in reported patient satisfaction between in-person and Internet-based appointments. We were able to develop a feasible hybrid audiology service delivery model for older adults. Our results enhance the evidence base for the implementation of telehealth audiology services.

Effects of providing free hearing aids on multiple health outcomes among middle-aged and older adults with hearing loss in rural China: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundHearing loss has been associated with serious health problems around the globe. Previous studies have found the positive effects of fitting hearing aids on health, but few studies were conducted in developing countries. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of hearing aids on multiple health outcomes among middle-aged and older adults with hearing loss in rural China.MethodsIn this randomized controlled trial (RCT), participants aged 45 and above were randomly assigned to the treatment group prescribing with hearing aids or to the control group with no intervention. Trial outcomes for 385 participants were collected during the 20-month follow-up study. Using the difference-in-difference approach, our primary outcomes were hearing-related quality of life (QoL) and generic QoL.ResultsThe intervention led to improvements in hearing-related QoL, presenting as the reduction in Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly Screening Version (HHIE-S) scores (interaction coefficient = − 2.86, p = 0.005), HHIE-S-Emotional scores (interaction coefficient = − 1.42, p = 0.029), and HHIE-S-Situational scores (interaction coefficient = − 1.43, p = 0.007). The intervention was also effective in alleviating the increase in depressive symptoms (interaction coefficient = − 0.14, p = 0.042). Subgroup analysis revealed that the effects were only shown among people with social activities or active social networks.ConclusionsOur study is the first RCT in China to measure the health effects and heterogeneity of hearing aid interventions. Wearing hearing aids can help improve hearing-related QoL and alleviate the increase in depressive symptoms. The intervention is expected to be applicable to similar settings in other developing countries to combat hearing-related health problems.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1900024739. Registered on 26 July 2019.

The relationship between subjective hearing impairment and mild behavioral impairment – A study of older adults without dementia in the COMPASS‐ND Study

AbstractBackgroundHearing loss and mild behavioral impairment (MBI) are both early warning signs of cognitive decline and dementia in older adults and have been recommended for use as non‐cognitive markers of dementia. To date, few studies have directly investigated the relationship between these two markers.MethodBaseline data from 219 non‐demented participants (10 cognitively normal; CN, 48 subjective cognitive decline; SCD, 161 mild cognitive impairment; MCI) in the COMPASS‐ND study (February 2020 release) were analyzed. Hearing impairment was measured in three ways: with a 10‐item self‐report measure using the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly – Screening Version (HHIE‐S), with a speech and noise test using the Canadian Digit Triplet Test (CDTT), and with screening audiometry using 2 discrete input levels at 2000 Hz to generate 6 hearing loss categories. Global and domain‐specific MBI burden was approximated using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire (NPI‐Q) with a published algorithm. Multivariable linear regressions were conducted to examine the association between the three hearing impairment measures and global MBI burden, adjusting for sex, age, education, hearing aid use, and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score or diagnosis. Multivariable logistic regressions were used to investigate whether the hearing variables could predict MBI domains.ResultHalf of all participants showed MBI symptoms (Figure 1). Greater self‐reported hearing impairment measured by the HHIE‐S was significantly associated with greater global MBI burden and the presence of apathy and affective dysregulation when controlling for global cognition or diagnosis (Table 1). These associations remained significant in analyses restricted to MCI alone. Performance on CDTT and screening audiometry, were not associated with global or domain‐specific MBI burden.ConclusionThe HHIE‐S, which was designed to capture the emotional and social aspects of hearing loss, was positively related to global MBI burden and more specifically to apathy and affect. Unlike audiometry and speech and noise measures, self‐reported measures of hearing impairment can be influenced by age, sex, other comorbidities, and social factors. Our findings underscore that value of self‐report measures of hearing impairment as distinct from audiometry and speech and noise measures in their association with behavioral impairment and as non‐cognitive markers of dementia.

Long-term Impact of Hearing Aid Provision or Cochlear Implantation on Hearing Handicap.

Previous research has shown hearing handicap to be reduced following hearing aid use or cochlear implantation in short-to-medium follow-up periods, yet the impact of interventions for hearing loss on hearing handicap in the long term remains understudied. This article reports hearing handicap at 6 months, 12 months, and 5 years after either hearing aid provision or cochlear implantation. Observational study. A study of 115 participants from the Studying Multiple Outcomes after Aural Rehabilitative Treatment (SMART) study cohort assessed self-reported hearing handicap using the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly Screening version (HHIE-S) at baseline, 6 months, 12 months, and 5 years. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to estimate the population mean HHIE-S score over time, accounting for the correlated nature of repeated measures data, and multiple imputation with chained equations was performed to impute missing data. Compared to baseline, mean HHIE-S scores after hearing aid provision were significantly reduced at 6 months (mean = -7.96, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -10.40, -5.53), 12 months (mean = -6.58, 95% CI: -9.26, -3.90), and 5 years (mean = -4.58, 95% CI: -7.87, -1.30). After cochlear implantation, mean hearing handicap scores were also significantly lower compared to baseline at 6 months (mean = -8.18, 95% CI: -11.07, -5.30), 12 months (mean = -10.04, 95% CI: -12.92, -7.16), and 5 years (mean = -8.97, 95% CI: -12.92, -7.16). This study found short-term benefits from hearing aids and cochlear implantation on hearing handicap were maintained over 5 years. Laryngoscope, 131:1122-1126, 2021.

Attitudes, perceived competence, and social limitation among older adults with hearing problems

ABSTRACT Objectives This study aims to examine the association between attitudes, perceived competence, and social limitation among older adults with hearing impairment. Method Descriptive correlational design was used in the study. There were 114 participants mostly 70 years old and above from senior centers and churches. Participants were screened for hearing impairment using Shoebox Audiometry or the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly-Screening version (HHIE-S). Self-report questionnaires such as Attitudes toward Loss of Hearing Questionnaire (ALHQ v2.1), Perceived Competence Scale (PCS), and Hearing Handicap Questionnaire (HHQ) were given. Results Participants in the study had a favorable attitude toward hearing impairment. Less denial was associated with higher degree of hearing loss, higher hearing handicap, higher social limitation, and higher intention to engage in follow-up care. Negative coping strategies were associated with higher hearing handicap, higher social limitation, and lower scores in perceived competence in engaging in positive health behavior. Discussion The data represent the views of those willing to engage in positive health behavior. An opportunity exists to increase awareness in preventing further damage and hearing disability among older adults.

Self-reported hearing loss in Russians: the population-based Ural Eye and Medical Study

ObjectiveWith data on frequency of hearing loss in Russia and Eastern Europe generally lacking, we assessed the prevalence of hearing loss in a Russian population.SettingThe population-based Ural Eye and Medical...

Implications of using the Hearing Aids on quality of life of elderly.

To evaluate through standardized questionnaires the quality of life of elderly people with hearing loss diagnosed with and without the use of hearing aids (HA) and elderly without hearing complaints. This is a cross-sectional study with non probabilistic sample, divided into three groups divided as follows: 30 elderly people with diagnosed hearing loss and indication for use of individual sound amplification devices (hearing aids), but have not yet made use of the prosthesis; 30 individuals with hearing impairment who used hearing aids and 30 elderly without hearing complaints. Participants completed a questionnaire investigating sociodemographic and family data, the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly Screening Version (HHIE-S) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life - Short version (WHOQOL-BREF). In addition to the descriptive analysis of the data were performed tests to compare the three groups by applying analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Bonferroni post hoc test. The three groups differed significantly in all domains of quality of life. The group of the elderly people with hearing loss diagnosed and with indication for the use of hearing aids presented lower scores and the group of the elderly with hearing disabilities that used the hearing aid and that the reference group. The AASI group presented the best quality of life results. The hearing loss affects the quality of life of the elderly. The effective use of hearing aid is beneficial to this population, improving their living and health conditions.

Hearing Loss amongst the Elderly in a Southeast Asian Population – A Community-based Study

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of hearing loss amongst the elderly population attending community services in Singapore. The usefulness of the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly Screening version (HHIE-S) in detecting hearing loss was also investigated. Pure-tone audiometry was carried out on a randomly recruited cohort of people (n = 338) over 60 years old and who were attending rehabilitation and social day care services for senior citizens at St Luke's Elder Care centres located throughout the city. Prior to the hearing test, subjects were administered the HHIE-S questionnaire, which was translated into the language they were most conversant in. The study cohort showed mean pure-tone average at speech frequencies (0.5, 1, 2 and 4 kHz; 4-frequency average hearing level [4FA HL]) of the subjects' better hearing ear that has worsened with age. The percentage of the elderly with disabling hearing impairment (4FA >40 dB HL) was 9.1% (60 to 69 years old), 22.0% (70 to 79 years old), 35.7% (80 years old and above). Across all age groups, males had significantly poorer thresholds at 4 kHz than females. When adjusted for the demographic profile of the country, the prevalence of hearing loss (4FA >25 dB HL) and disabling hearing impairment (4FA >40 dB HL) amongst the elderly in Singapore was 63.7% and 16.2%, respectively. We estimate that there are currently 422,000 elderly with hearing loss greater than 25dB HL and over 100,000 elderly with disabling hearing loss of over 40 dB HL. Of subjects with a disabling hearing impairment, only 7.5% used hearing aids. The use of self-reporting HHIE-S showed poor sensitivity in detecting hearing loss of various severities amongst the elderly. These data provide estimates of the prevalence and severity of hearing loss in older persons in Singapore and suggest that more can be done to help the elderly recognise, acknowledge and address hearing loss in the country.

Hearing Loss in the Elderly: Is the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly - Screening Version Effective in Diagnosis When Compared to the Audiometric Test?

Introduction  Hearing losses inherent to the natural process of aging represent today a major public health issue, despite the little attention that their adequate care still receives. Early recognition and proper management of these shortcomings can significantly improve hearing, as well as the patient's general quality of life, reducing the overall impact of this important and prevalent condition of the aging process. Objective  The aim of this research was to evaluate the accuracy of the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly - Screening Version (HHIE-S) in the diagnosis of hearing loss in the elderly when compared with the audiometric test. Methods  Through a cross-sectional study, our target population was composed of 138 individuals, aged over 60 and with any otorhinolaryngological complaints, recruited at the Clinic of Otorhinolaryngology and Speech Therapy of the Faculdade de Medicina de Marília (Famema), in the city of Marília, SP, Brazil. Patients already in the process of auditory rehabilitation were excluded, as well as those who did not demonstrate the minimum level of oral understanding necessary to allow the interview. Results  The prevalence of hearing loss according to the questionnaire was of 76.1%, while audiometry showed 79.7%. We found the diagnostic accuracy of the instrument to be of 86.2%, with a sensitivity of 89.1% and a specificity of 75.0%, regardless of gender. Conclusion  Thereby, we conclude that the standardized questionnaire under rating is suitable for the screening of hearing loss in the elderly, given its high accuracy and user-friendly quality.

Evaluation of participation restriction in activities of daily living in elderly users of hearing aids

Objective: to evaluate the effects of using hearing aids and counseling in self-perception of participation restriction in activities in the elderly. Model Study: prospective and descriptive study. Method: we selected 29 elderly. They answered the questionnaire Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly Screening Version (HHIE-S), before the hearing aid fitting. After three months was carried out the same questionnaire and the results obtained were compared. Results: quantitatively the difference between the scores (total, social/situation, emotional), before and after the audiological intervention, showed significant results. In qualitative analysis, it was observed in the condition before the adaptation, a significant perception of auditory handicap for the total score; however, in the situation after the hearing aid use, it no longer occurred handicap perception for the three scores. Conclusion: the acoustic stimulation through the use of hearing aids and counseling sessions contributed to the decrease in scores of participation restriction in elderly, valued at HHIE-S questionnaire

Self-rated Health Status as a Health Degree: The Implications for Hearing Impairment and Self-perception of Hearing Handicap in Elderly People, Manaus, AM, Brazil

Self-reported health has been considered a helpful indicator of health conditions and certain outcomes in elderly people. An exploratory, descriptive and cross-sectional cohort study was conducted among an elderly group randomly recruited at UnATI/UEA, Manaus, Amazonas State, Brazil. Data was collected by structured questionnaires obtaining socio-demographic information, and the functional evaluation. Subsequently were applied the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly Screening Version (HHIE-S), and The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). The aged participants on this research mostly self-rated their health as good or reasonable, with rarer extreme self-assessments. Data from HHIE-S levels of hearing impairment was obtained 27 (33.35%) with normal hearing, 31 (38.75%) light hearing loss, 19 (23.75%) moderate hearing loss; and 3 (3.75%) severe hearing loss. Mean total MMSE score of the study subjects was 23.47 points. Our results show compatibility with lit- erature data, also, it is denoted the health performance superior on these group of elderly.