Hearing Handicap Inventory in the Elderly-Screening Version (HHIE-S)

Introduction

A self-administered questionnaire.

Procedure

• Does a hearing problem cause you to feel embarrased when you meet new people?
• Does a hearing problem cause you to fell frustrated when talking to members of your family?
• Do you have difficulty hearing when someone speaks to you in a whisper?
• Do you feel handicapped by a hearing problem?
• Does a hearing problem cause you difficulty when visiting friends, relatives or neighbors?
• Does a hearing problem cause you to attend religious services less often than you would like?
• Does a hearing problem cause you to have arguments with family members?
• Does a hearing problem cause you to have difficulty when listening to television or radio?
• Do you feel that any difficulty with your hearing limits/ hampers your personal or social life?
• Does a hearing problem cause you difficulty in a restaurant with friends or relatives?

Yes = 4 points

Sometimes = 2 points

No = 0 points

Total possible points = 40

Scores are 0-40, 40 being the maximum self-perceived hearing handicap. Scores of 0 to 10 are unlikely to occur in people with significant hearing loss. Scores of 26 to 40 should prompt referral for otologic/audiologic evaluation. Intermediate scores of 12 to 24 who note having a hearing problem should be referred for testing, but a similar score in one who denies having a problem should not prompt action.

Notes

• most reliable screening tool for hearing impairment

More general terms

• hearing evaluation
• health questionnaire

Additional terms

• hearing loss (hearing impairment, hard of hearing, HOH)