Diagnostic Performance of the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly (Screening Version) Against Differing Definitions of Hearing Loss

TLDR

The study evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly—Screening Version (HHIE‑S) in 178 primary‑care elderly patients by comparing its scores to five audiometric definitions of hearing loss measured with pure‑tone audiometry. With a cut‑off score >8, the HHIE‑S achieved 53–72% sensitivity and 70–84% specificity across all definitions, and its receiver‑operating characteristics and likelihood ratios were consistent, confirming it as a valid, robust tool for detecting hearing impairment regardless of the audiometric criterion.

Abstract

The diagnostic performance of the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly—Screening Version (HHIE-S) was evaluated against five definitions of hearing loss in 178 elderly subjects screened in primary care. Hearing loss was assessed by puretone audiometry. Using a score of greater than 8 as a cut point, the HHIE-S had sensitivities ranging from 53 to 72% and specificities ranging from 70 to 84% with the different definitions. The HHIE-S receiver-operating characteristics and likelihood ratios were similar regardless of hearing loss definition used. The HHIE-S is a valid, robust test for identifying hearing-impaired elderly, irrespective of the audiometric definition used to finally diagnose hearing difficulties.