Factors Affecting Change in Self-Perception of Hearing Handicap: A Case Study

ABSTRACT

A young veteran with a progressive, precipitously sloping sensorineural hearing loss was fitted with AVR frequency compression hearing aids after many years of unsuccessful fittings. The Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly-Screening was used to assess hearing aid benefit. If only the pre- and post-test scores were assessed, there would have been no documented benefit. This case study shows how this individual's self-perception of hearing handicap changed over time and discusses, in the patient's own words, the social and emotional factors underlying the change in measured self-perception. The patient's reaction to this assessment also is discussed.

KEYWORDS

Hearing handicap - hearing aids - progressive hearing loss

REFERENCES

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