Subjective hearing-related quality-of-life is a major factor in the decision to continue using hearing aids among older persons. (1st September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Maeda, Yukihide; Sugaya, Akiko; Nagayasu, Rie; Nakagawa, Atsuko; Nishizaki, Kazunori
• Is Part Of: Acta oto-laryngologica. Volume 136:Number 9(2016)
• Page Start: 919
• Page End: 922
• Publication Date: 2016-09-01
• Subjects: Hearing aids -- presbycusis -- Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly -- average hearing threshold -- speech discrimination -- dynamic range; Otolaryngology -- Periodicals; Ear -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Throat -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Otolaryngology -- Electronic Resources; Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases; 617.8
• DOI: 10.1080/00016489.2016.1183817
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0001-6489

Abstract

Abstract: Conclusion: Audiological parameters alone do not determine the choice to use hearing aids (HA). Subjective hearing-related QoL is a major factor that determines whether or not an older person will continue to wear HA. Objective: This study aimed to identify which audiological parameters and quality-of-life (QoL) measures determine whether or not older persons will continue wearing HA. Methods: Charts of 157 patients aged ≥65 years who attended the HA service unit at the Otolaryngology Department were retrospectively reviewed. After HA fitting and a trial, the patients were divided into groups, depending upon whether or not they wanted to continue wearing the HA (users, 58.2%; non-users, 41.8%) and then audiological parameters were compared between them. At least 4 months after the HA fitting, the self-reported QoL questionnaire, Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly (HHIE), was mailed to all 157 patients and HHIE scores were compared between HA users and non-users. Result: Speech discrimination score and dynamic range did not significantly differ between HA users and non-users. A difference in the average hearing threshold was marginally significant. The response rate to the HHIE was 65.2%. Total HHIE and emotional scores were higher (more impaired) among HA users than non-users.