Impact of patient attributes on the relationship between hearing handicap and readiness to pursue audiologic rehabilitation.

OBJECTIVE: This study explored whether select patient attributes were significant predictors of readiness to pursue hearing aids (HAs) and estimated the impacts of hearing aid self-efficacy (HASE) and emotional states, on the relationship between perceived hearing handicap and readiness to pursue HAs. DESIGN & STUDY SAMPLE: Sixty-two adults with self-reported hearing difficulties and no previous experience with HAs self-reported their hearing handicap, HASE, personality, emotional states in varying contexts, and readiness to pursue HAs. RESULTS: Individuals with greater hearing handicap and who had experienced hearing loss for a shorter duration were more ready to pursue HAs. Having higher HASE, more positive emotional states in "Social" situations, higher scores for the Agreeableness, and having lower Conscientiousness personality trait scores also independently predicted readiness. Neither HASE nor reported emotional states had a significant impact on the relationship between perceived hearing handicap and readiness to pursue HAs. CONCLUSIONS: Certain patient characteristics independently motivate people towards or away from pursuing HAs. However, it remains unclear whether targeted modification of these attributes would directly facilitate behaviour change. Future research should further explore these questions to facilitate a more individualised audiologic rehabilitation.

A Comparative Study of Hearing Handicap Inventory and Pure-Tone Audiometry Scores in Unilateral Hearing Impaired Patients.

Objective: To investigate the consistency between the hearing handicap inventory (HHI) and pure-tone audiometry (PTA) scores in assessing hearing status to provide valuable insights for clinical application. Methods: Retrospective analysis of clinical data and the HHI reporting status of 6540 patients admitted between April 2020 and July 2022 for self-reported unilateral hearing loss who met the study inclusion and exclusion criteria. The kappa coefficient was used to evaluate the consistency of HHI and PTA in assessing the hearing status of the participants. Results: The PTA results showed that among the 6540 participants, 3895 exhibited normal hearing, 1434 showed mild hearing loss, 809 presented with moderate hearing loss, and 402 showed severe hearing loss. The mean hearing thresholds from 0.5 to 4 kHz in healthy ears ranged from 3.65 to 18.45 dB HL, with a mean of 10.83 ± 5.29 dB HL; in ears affected by hearing loss, this ranged from 35 to 125 dB HL, with a mean of 69.63 ± 28.45 dB HL. The HHI scores showed that 4820 people had normal hearing, 1245 had mild-to-moderate hearing loss, and 475 had severe hearing loss. The kappa coefficients of normal, mild-to-moderate, and severe hearing loss were 0.312, 0.223, and 0.716, respectively (P = .001). The consistency between the 2 groups was particularly significant in the assessment of severe hearing loss. Using the PTA results as a benchmark, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the HHI were found to be 73.08%, 87.83%, 95.60%, and 70.98%, respectively. Conclusion: The HHI and PTA results were consistent in the assessment of hearing status, particularly in the assessment of severe hearing loss, and the level of consistency between the 2 methods was high. The combined use of these tools can facilitate a comprehensive assessment of the auditory status of patients with hearing loss.

Age-related hearing loss is not linked to cerebrospinal fluid levels of ß-amyloid or p-tau181.

INTRODUCTION: As Hearing loss and dementia affect people with the same profile, several epidemiological studies have evaluated their relationship. However, the link between age-related hearing loss and Alzheimer's disease is still unclear. METHODS: We selected subjects with no history of exposure to loud noises, blasts, head trauma with hearing loss, or sudden sensorineural hearing loss from a cohort intended to study preclinical phases of Alzheimer's disease. Participants are volunteers over 55 years without cognitive impairment. We correlated the results of an objective auditory evaluation with brain amyloid and p-tau181 levels and with the outcomes of a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment. RESULTS: Fifty-five subjects at different stages of the Alzheimer's disease continuum were evaluated. There were no statistically significant correlations between amyloid-ß and p-tau levels and any of the objective auditory measures. A weak but significant correlation was found between amyloid-ß values and the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly. The neuropsychological domains more correlated to hearing loss were executive function and processing speed. DISCUSSION: Age-related hearing loss is not linked to any pathological markers of Alzheimer's disease nor to neuropsychological domains typically affected in this disease. The Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly has an important component of subjectivity and further studies are needed to explore its relationship with amyloid-ß levels.

Food Insecurity and Hearing Loss Are Interrelated: A Cross-Sectional Population-Based Study.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to assess whether objectively measured hearing loss and self-perceived hearing handicap in adults are independently associated with food insecurity, and vice versa. DESIGN: Cross-sectional population-based study. POPULATION: 2,500 participants aged 50+ years from the Blue Mountains Hearing Study, with both complete pure-tone audiometry data and information on food security status. MEASUREMENTS: The pure-tone average of frequencies 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 kHz (PTA0.5-4KHz) >25 dB HL in the better ear, established the presence of hearing loss. Self-perceived hearing handicap was assessed by administering the Hearing Handicap Inventory for Elderly Screening (HHIE-S total scores of ≥8 indicates hearing handicap). A 12-item food security survey was administered, comprising statements related to individual and household food situations. RESULTS: Food insecurity was reported by 12.8% of study participants. After adjusting for all potential confounders, any self-perceived hearing handicap significantly increased the likelihood of participants reporting food insecurity by 94% (p<0.0001). Participants reporting any, mild or severe self-perceived hearing handicap had around 2-fold greater odds of experiencing food insecurity. Objectively measured hearing loss did not significantly influence the food security status of study participants. Conversely, food insecurity was significantly associated with both objectively measured hearing loss and self-perceived hearing handicap: multivariate-adjusted OR 1.37 (95% CI 1.01-1.88) and OR 1.83 (95% CI 1.40-2.39), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Food insecurity was an important social determinant of hearing health among community-dwelling adults. Conversely, participants with a significant self-perceived hearing handicap were more likely to experience food insecurity. These findings add to our understanding of the substantial public health impact of both food insecurity and hearing loss and may highlight areas for future intervention.

Using a decision tree approach to determine hearing aid ownership in older adults.

PURPOSE: The main clinical intervention for older adults with hearing loss is the provision of hearing aids. However, uptake and usage in this population have historically been reported as low. The aim of this study was to understand the hearing loss characteristics, from measured audiometric hearing loss and self-perceived hearing handicap, that contribute to the decision of hearing aid ownership. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 2833 adults aged 50+ years, of which 329 reported hearing aid ownership, were involved with a population-based survey with audiometric hearing assessments. Classification and regression tree (CART) analysis was used to classify hearing aid ownership from audiometric measurements and hearing disability outcomes. RESULTS: An overall accuracy of 92.5% was found for the performance of the CART analysis in predicting hearing aid ownership from hearing loss characteristics. By including hearing disability, sensitivity for predicting hearing aid ownership increased by up to 40% compared with just audiometric hearing loss measurements alone. CONCLUSIONS: A decision tree approach that considers both objectively measured hearing loss and self-perceived hearing disability, could facilitate a more tailored and personalised approach for determining hearing aid needs in the older population. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONWithout intervention, older adults with hearing loss are at higher risk of cognitive decline and higher rates of depression, anxiety, social isolation.The provision of hearing aids can compensate hearing function, however, uptake and usage have been reported as low.Using a more precise cut-off from audiometric measures and self-perceived hearing disability scores could facilitate a tailored and personalised approach to screen and identify older adults for hearing aid needs.

Determining attributed factors of hearing handicap in individuals with auditory sensory and neural pathology

Abstract Introduction: There is a modest relationship between speech perception skills and perceived hearing handicap in individuals with hearing loss. In this study, an attempt is made at linking psychoacoustic results and speech perception skills to understand the subjective handicap and quality of life. Objective: To investigate how speech perception in noise (signal to noise ratio-50), difference limen frequency, temporal modulation transfer function, hearing handicap inventory for adults, and quality of life in auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder differs from sensorineural hearing loss. Further we attempt to discern attributed factors of hearing handicap in auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder and sensorineural hearing loss. Methods: A cross-sectional study with comparative and correlational research designs were utilized. Eighty-four participants were grouped into sensorineural hearing loss (n = 49), and auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (n = 35) was sub-grouped into mild, moderately severe, and severe. We evaluated signal to noise ratio-50, difference limen frequency, and temporal modulation transfer function. In addition, hearing handicap inventory for adults, and quality of life questionnaires were administered. Results: Mild auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder showed impairment in speech perception and discriminating frequency, which were similar to the severe sensory neural hearing loss. Temporal resolution impairment in auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder mild was significantly higher than in each sub-groups of sensorineural hearing loss. The severity of the hearing handicap in was similar to severe sensorineural hearing loss, quality of life was equally affected in sensorineural hearing loss and auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder. In sensorineural hearing loss, signal to noise ratio-50 was positively related, and quality of life was negatively related to hearing handicap. In auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder, no contributory factors were related to hearing handicap. Conclusion: Mild auditory neural pathology demonstrates impairment in speech recognition and psychoacoustic skills similar to severe cochlear pathology. In sensorineural hearing loss, hearing handicap is predicted from quality of life and speech perception, but none of the contributory factors predicted hearing handicap in auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder.

The Psychometric Properties of the Persian Version of the Hearing Handicap Inventory Screening Scale (HHIE-S) among Older Adults.

BACKGROUND: There is a great need for a valid hearing loss measurement tool in the Persian language to help identify hearing handicaps and potential communicational difficulties among Persian-speaking older adults. The present study aimed to validate and adapt the original English version of the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly (HHIE) into the Persian language. METHODS: A tool development study was designed and data were collected from August to November 2019 in Tabriz, Iran among the older adults aged 60 years and above whose hearing loss had been confirmed by audiometry. The construct validity was assessed using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). The reliability of the tool was calculated by internal consistency and test-retest reliability. The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0 (SPSS and STATA 14). RESULTS: The CFA was conducted to examine the construct validity of the HHIE-S. According to the results, the model fit indices were acceptable (TLI = 0.93, CFI = 0.97, RMSEA = 0.07 (90% CI: 0.04 to 0.10), and SRMR = 0.03). Cronbach's alpha coefficient (0.85) and the test-retest reliability score (0.73) indicated good internal consistency. CONCLUSION: The results showed that HHIE-S is a valid and reliable tool for assessing hearing handicaps among Persian-speaking and Iranian older adults.

Determining attributed factors of hearing handicap in individuals with auditory sensory and neural pathology.

INTRODUCTION: There is a modest relationship between speech perception skills and perceived hearing handicap in individuals with hearing loss. In this study, an attempt is made at linking psychoacoustic results and speech perception skills to understand the subjective handicap and quality of life. OBJECTIVE: To investigate how speech perception in noise (signal to noise ratio-50), difference limen frequency, temporal modulation transfer function, hearing handicap inventory for adults, and quality of life in auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder differs from sensorineural hearing loss. Further we attempt to discern attributed factors of hearing handicap in auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder and sensorineural hearing loss. METHODS: A cross-sectional study with comparative and correlational research designs were utilized. Eighty-four participants were grouped into sensorineural hearing loss (n = 49), and auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (n = 35) was sub-grouped into mild, moderately severe, and severe. We evaluated signal to noise ratio-50, difference limen frequency, and temporal modulation transfer function. In addition, hearing handicap inventory for adults, and quality of life questionnaires were administered. RESULTS: Mild auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder showed impairment in speech perception and discriminating frequency, which were similar to the severe sensory neural hearing loss. Temporal resolution impairment in auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder mild was significantly higher than in each sub-groups of sensorineural hearing loss. The severity of the hearing handicap in was similar to severe sensorineural hearing loss, quality of life was equally affected in sensorineural hearing loss and auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder. In sensorineural hearing loss, signal to noise ratio-50 was positively related, and quality of life was negatively related to hearing handicap. In auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder, no contributory factors were related to hearing handicap. CONCLUSION: Mild auditory neural pathology demonstrates impairment in speech recognition and psychoacoustic skills similar to severe cochlear pathology. In sensorineural hearing loss, hearing handicap is predicted from quality of life and speech perception, but none of the contributory factors predicted hearing handicap in auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder.

The impact of owning a hearing dog on quality of life, hearing handicap, and social functioning: an Australian cohort.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of owning a hearing dog on self-reported hearing handicap, quality of life (QoL), and social functioning. DESIGN: Group comparison study design, utilising five surveys (General Information Survey, Hearing Information Survey, Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly/Adults, Medical Outcomes Survey, and Social Functioning Questionnaire). STUDY SAMPLE: 23 respondents from the 2019 Australian Lions Hearing Dog waitlist (controls) and 58 respondents from all clients who had received a hearing dog through the Australian Lions Hearing Dog service (cases). RESULTS: No significant difference was found in Hearing Handicap Inventory or Social Functioning Questionnaire scores between the groups, although there was a tendency for improvement with dog ownership. The owner group scored significantly lower than the waitlist group on three Medical Outcomes Survey sub-items (general health, physical functioning, and role limitations due to physical health), along with total health-related QoL. These results contrasted with the broad emotional and psychosocial benefits identified through thematic analysis of responses. CONCLUSIONS: It is feasible, yet not certain, that owning a hearing dog may bring a reduction in hearing handicap, as well as emotional and social benefits to the QoL of individuals, but it also appears to be associated with poorer perception of health.

Development and Standardization of Hearing Handicap Inventory for Adult (Screening Version) in Nepali Language.

Hearing handicap inventory for adult- screening version (HHIA-S) is one of the widely used questionnaire for assessing hearing handicap among adult population over the short period of time. This questionnaire has been translated in many languages worldwide including Indian, Sweden, and Spanish. However, there is lack of such questionnaire in Nepali language. Hence, this study is aimed at developing and standardizing the HHIA-S questionnaire in Nepali language. The English version of the HHIA-S was translated to the Nepali language using the translation-back-translation method. Further, it was given to 10 native Nepali speakers for content validation. The final HHIA-S Nepali version was then administered to 70 normal native Nepali speakers and 50 hearing impaired Nepali speaker. The responses were analyzed, and Cronbach's alpha was calculated to measure the internal consistency of the questionnaire. Results showed that the HHIA-S Nepali version has a Cronbach's alpha score of 0.94 for normal hearing group and 0.93 for hearing impaired group, which is considered good reliability. The HHIA-S Nepali version developed in this study is found to be valid and reliable. Hence, it can be used as a screening tool for assessing hearing handicap among Nepali population. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12070-022-03082-5.

Correlation between Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly Screening (HHIE-S) and Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA) Test among Malaysian Elderly

@#Introduction: The study aims to determine the correlation of the Hearing Handicap Inventory for Elderly Screening (HHIE-S) questionnaire with the pure tone audiometry (PTA) in the Malaysian older adult population. Methods: This cross-sectional study took a random sample of adults ≥60 years in a tertiary hospital. A total of 202 participants completed both the HHIE-S questionnaire and the PTA test. The total HHIE-S score and the PTA result were explored for the correlation using a Kruskal–Wallis and the validity using the receiver operating characteristic curve. Results: A Kruskal–Wallis analysis indicated a significant correlation for the level of hearing impairment (r =.704, p < 0.001) between the HHIE-S score and the PTA result. Comparison between HHIE-S score of 8 and the PTA >25db results gave sensitivity: 87.9%, specificity: 78.4%, positive predictive value: 80.3%, and negative predictive value: 86.6%. Conclusion: This study suggests that the HHIE-S questionnaire is a good and valid screening instrument for hearing impairment detection in the Malaysian older adult population.

Hearing Aids Reduce Daily-Life Fatigue and Increase Social Activity: A Longitudinal Study.

People with hearing loss experience fatigue, and it is unknown whether this is alleviated by treatment with hearing aids. The objective of this study was to address this issue and to investigate the possible concomitant effect of hearing-aid fitting on activity levels. An intervention group (n = 53) who were due to be fitted with their first-ever hearing aid(s) and a control group (n = 53) who had hearing loss but no change in hearing aid status-completed a battery of self-report outcome measures four times: once before fitting, and at 2 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months post fitting. Self-report outcome measures at each assessment captured fatigue, listening effort, hearing handicap, auditory lifestyle, social participation restrictions, and work, social and physical activity levels. Hearing-aid fitting led to a significant reduction in listening-related fatigue, but not general fatigue, in the intervention group compared to the control group. Additionally, social activity level increased and social participation restriction decreased significantly after hearing aid fitting in the intervention group compared to the control group. No significant interaction was found between working status and change in listening-related fatigue score. This study is the first to make a longitudinal measurement of fatigue before and after first-ever hearing aid fitting and to identify an increase in social activity level after hearing aid fitting. These findings have important implications for future research and the clinical practice of hearing aid fitting.

The Use of Same-Day Hearing Aid Fitting with Telehealth Follow-up Care: A Case Study of a Veteran Presenting with Tinnitus and Auditory Processing Disorder Symptoms.

Providing same-day hearing aid fitting appointments to patients being seen in an audiology clinic for an audiometric evaluation may help decrease clinic wait times and reduce the need for future in-person appointments. Prior to 2020, the Veterans Administration (VA) Healthcare System did not allow hearing aid manufacturers to provide functional demonstration (demo) hearing aids to VA audiology clinics. Due to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19) pandemic, this rule was changed to minimize the number of required in-person VA audiology appointments. The audiology clinic at the Pittsburgh VA Healthcare System developed a hearing aid fitting protocol using demo hearing aids to provide same-day hearing aid fitting appointments. This case study pertains to a female Veteran who presented to the clinic with complaints of decreased hearing and bothersome tinnitus. The patient completed a comprehensive audiometric evaluation, auditory processing disorder screening, hearing aid evaluation, and hearing aid fitting in the clinic. All follow-up appointments were scheduled to be completed via telehealth. The initial findings in this case study indicate that same-day hearing aid fittings can be successful for some patients. Future telehealth follow-up appointments will determine this patient's level of success using hearing aid-related outcome measures.

Dismantling internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy for tinnitus. The contribution of applied relaxation: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) for tinnitus is an evidence-based intervention. The components of ICBT for tinnitus have, however, not been dismantled and thus the effectiveness of the different therapeutic components is unknown. It is, furthermore, not known if heterogeneous tinnitus subgroups respond differently to ICBT. AIMS: This dismantling study aimed to explore the contribution of applied relaxation within ICBT for reducing tinnitus distress and comorbidities associated with tinnitus. A secondary aim was to assess whether outcomes varied for three tinnitus subgroups, namely those with significant tinnitus severity, those with low tinnitus severity, and those with significant depression. METHODS: A parallel randomized controlled trial design (n = 126) was used to compare audiologist-guided applied relaxation with the full ICBT intervention. Recruitment was online and via the intervention platform. Assessments were completed at four-time points including a 2-month follow-up period. The primary outcome was tinnitus severity as measured by the Tinnitus Functional Index. Secondary outcomes were included for anxiety, depression, insomnia, negative tinnitus cognitions, health-related quality of life, hearing disability, and hyperacusis. Treatment engagement variables including the number of logins, number of modules opened, and the number of messages sent. Both an intention-to-treat analysis and completer's only analysis were undertaken. RESULTS: Engagement was low which compromised results as the full intervention was undertaken by few participants. Both the ICBT and applied relaxation resulted in large reduction of tinnitus severity (within-group effect sizes d = 0.87 and 0.68, respectively for completers only analysis), which were maintained, or further improved at follow-up. These reductions in tinnitus distress were greater for the ICBT group, with a small effect size differences (between-group d = 0.15 in favor of ICBT for completers only analysis). Tinnitus distress decreased the most at post-intervention for those with significant depression at baseline. Both ICBT and applied relaxation contributed to significant reductions on most secondary outcome measures, with no group differences, except for a greater reduction of hyperacusis in the ICBT group. CONCLUSION: Due to poor compliance partly attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic results were compromised. Further studies employing strategies to improve compliance and engagement are required. The intervention's effectiveness increased with initial level of tinnitus distress; those with the highest scores at intake experienced the most substantial changes on the outcome measures. This may suggest tailoring of interventions according to tinnitus severity. Larger samples are needed to confirm this.

A Multi-Institutional Study of Older Hearing Aids Beginners-A Prospective Single-Arm Observation on Executive Function and Social Interaction.

OBJECTIVES: To obtain new insights into research questions on how executive function and social interaction would be observed to change after the introduction of hearing aids (HAs) in older people with hearing impairment. DESIGN: Multi-institutional prospective single-arm observational study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Outpatients with complaints of hearing difficulty who visited HA clinics between October 18, 2017, and June 30, 2019, in 7 different university hospitals in Japan. METHODS: The inclusion criteria of the study named Hearing-Aid Introduction for Hearing-Impaired Seniors to Realize a Productive Aging Society-A Study Focusing on Executive Function and Social Activities Study (HA-ProA study) were age ≥60 years and no history of HA use. A series of multi-institution common evaluations including audiometric measurements, the digit symbol substitution test to assess executive functions, convoy model as an index of social relations, and hearing handicap inventory for the elderly (HHIE) were performed before (pre-HA) and after 6 months of the HA introduction (post-HA). RESULTS: Out of 127 enrollments, 94 participants completed a 6-month follow-up, with a mean age of 76.9 years. The digit symbol substitution test score improved significantly from 44.7 at baseline to 46.1 at 6 months (P = .0106). In the convoy model, the social network size indicated by the number of persons in each and whole circles were not significantly different between pre- and post-HA; however, the total count for kin was significantly increased (P = .0344). In the analyses of HHIE, the items regarding the family and relatives showed significant improvement. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: HA use could benefit older individuals beginning to use HAs in executive function and social interaction, though the results should be interpreted cautiously given methodological limitations such as a single-arm short 6 months observation. Reduction in daily hearing impairment would have a favorable effect on relationships with the family.

The effective screening tools for detecting hearing loss in elderly population: HHIE-ST Versus TSQ.

BACKGROUND: Globally increasing number of elders is concerned. Hearing loss process in older adults cannot be avoided. An effective screening tool for hearing loss is essential for proper diagnosis and rehabilitation, which can improve QOL in older adults. METHODS: This prospective-diagnostic test study evaluates the diagnostic value of Thai version of the Hearing Handicap Inventory for Elderly Screening (HHIE-ST) and the Thai Single Question (TSQ) surveys in screening hearing disability in 1109 Thai participants aged 60 years and older in communities in four provinces in Thailand. The HHIE-ST consisted of 10 selected questions from the validated HHIE-Thai version. A TSQ survey was developed to have the same meaning as an English Single Question survey. The participants answered both questionnaires, and a standard audiometry test assessed with air conduction from 250 to 8000 Hz was included as a gold standard. RESULTS: The prevalence of hearing disability was 38.34%. The HHIE-ST achieved a sensitivity of 88.96% (95% CI 85.77-91.64) and specificity of 52.19% (95% CI 48.24-56.13) for diagnosis hearing disability in Thai older adults, whereas the TSQ yielded a sensitivity of 88.73% and a specificity of 55.93%. A combined test including the HHIE-ST and TSQ achieved better performance with sensitivity of 85.29% and specificity of 60.13%. CONCLUSIONS: Either the HHIE-ST or the TSQ is a sensitive and useful tool for screening hearing disability in Thai older adults. Using the HHIE-ST together with the TSQ resulted in a better screening tool for detecting moderate hearing loss older adults who will benefit and recommended for hearing rehabilitation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study is registered with the following number in the Thai Clinical Trials Registry: TCTR20151015003 . Date of registration October 14, 2015.

The Importance of Screening for Hearing Loss in the Elderly.

<b>Aim:</b> The aim was to compare hearing loss between men and women over 65 in pure tone audiometry and to evaluate the sensitivity of the abbreviated version of the Hearing Handicap Inventory (HHIE-S). This questionnaire highlights hearing handicaps in understanding speech. </br></br><b> Materials and Methods:</b> The data was collected in the years 2011-2015 from respondents above 18 years of age using a standar-dized HHIE-S questionnaire and specialized tests. The cohort was divided into groups based on the severity of hearing loss in the better ear according to the World Health Organization (WHO) as measured by tone threshold audiometry at 500 Hertz (Hz), 1000 Hz, 2000 Hz and 4000 Hz. </br></br> <b> Results:</b> Of the 7070 people (61.8% female and 38.2% male), 68.93% had hearing impairment. Most people had a slight he-aring loss. Based on HHIE-S, 56.94% reported impaired hearing. A statistically significant difference was found between the genders, but according to HHIE-S, females with impaired hearing were not statistically significantly more numerous than males. The diagnostic sensitivity of the HHIE-S was assessed in particular by its sensitivity (75.43%) and specificity (82.53%). The probability that a person has a hearing impairment when the HHIE-S test is positive is 90.21%. </br></br> <b> Conclusions:</b> The HHIE-S is fast, inexpensive and short, and can be included as a screening test for hearing impairment in ca-ring for the elderly. Even a minor hearing impairment can be a significant handicap in elderly patients by restricting not only social interactions but also weakening mental functioning.

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

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: 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. STUDY DESIGN: Observational study. METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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). CONCLUSIONS: 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.

Treatment of patients with glomus jugulare tumours (GJT) and its subjective effect on quality of life (QoL) measures.

Cerebellopontine angle (CPA) tumours account for 6-10% of intracranial tumours. The most common CPA tumours are vestibular schwannomas (VS), also known as acoustic neuromas, benign tumours of the vestibulocochlear nerve. Less common but symptomatic skull base lesions are glomus jugulare tumours (GJT), of which approximately 40% are identified as CPA tumours. Initial symptoms for GJT may include hearing loss and tinnitus and progress to various cranial nerve dysfunctions. Three well-accepted treatment modalities for such tumours include surgical resection, radiotherapy and/or conservative management employing serial MR or CT imaging. Patients' quality of life may be impacted by different treatment methods, so treatment decisions should be client centered.

Adaptation of the Arabic versions of the Hearing Handicap Inventory for adults and elderly with permanent sensorineural hearing loss.

Objective: To translate the Hearing Handicap Inventory for Adults (HHIA) and Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly (HHIE) into Arabic while ensuring that the reliability and validity are the same as those of the original English versions.Design: Descriptive, cross-sectional study.Study sample: In total, 115 individuals with hearing impairment and 114 controls with normal hearing completed the Arabic versions of HHIA/HHIE. Each subject underwent a complete audiological evaluation before answering the questionnaires. The construct and discriminant validities were determined in addition to the reliability, which was investigated by calculating the internal and test-retest consistencies.Results: Internal consistency between the total and subscale scores were excellent for the Arabic versions of HHIA and HHIE (Cronbach's alpha: ∼0.90). With regard to the test-retest reproducibility, the Spearman's correlation coefficient for consistency between total scores obtained at baseline and those obtained at 6 weeks was acceptable (r = 0.761, p < 0.0001). The total scores were statistically proportional to the degree of hearing loss. Moreover, the questionnaire successfully differentiated between individuals with hearing impairment and those with normal hearing.Conclusions: Our findings clarified that the Arabic versions of HHIA and HHIE are acceptable tools for evaluating the psychological influences of hearing loss in Arabic populations.