Test-retest reliability of the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly

Ear Hear. 1986 Oct;7(5):295-9. doi: 10.1097/00003446-198610000-00002.

Abstract

The Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly (HHIE) is a self-assessment tool, composed of emotional and social/situational subscales and designed to measure the perceived effects of hearing impairment in the noninstitutionalized elderly. Previous study has indicated that the HHIE has a high internal consistency, as well as high split-half reliability. The present study was undertaken to examine test-retest reliability associated with the HHIE, as the latter information is prerequisite to the application of the HHIE as a measure of change in perception of handicap which may result from audiologic intervention. Forty-seven noninstitutionalized elderly individuals with sensorineural hearing loss were sampled, using two measurement techniques: face-to-face (N = 20) and paper-and-pencil (N = 27) administration. Test-retest reliability was high for both the face-to-face and paper-and-pencil administration, suggesting that the HHIE has potential as a measure of change resulting from rehabilitation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Psychological Tests
  • Self-Assessment