Self-perception of the hearing-impaired elderly before and after hearing-aid fittings

AimTo evaluate the impact of hearing aid (HA) fittings among elderly patients through the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly (HHIE). MethodsThe present study was carried out with 125 hearing-impaired individuals over aged 65 years in the northern region of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The instrument used was the HHIE self-assessment questionnaire. HHIE were completed before and after HA fittings. Data were analyzed using the non-parametric Wilcoxon test and the McNemar (2)-test. ResultsThere were significant decreases in general, social and emotional handicap after HA use (P<0.001). The percentage of patients with severe hearing handicap decreased from 45.6% to 8.8% with HA use. The greatest difficulty reported by respondents, both before and after HA use, was hearing when someone whispers. ConclusionsAlthough HA use significantly improves the hearing handicap, some older adults still maintain social and emotional limitations. The HHIE instrument can be a great ally in helping professionals understand and rehabilitate the difficulties that remain after amplification. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 977-982.