PP427 - The Impact of Amplification on Self-Perceived Handicap, Third-Party Disability, and Social Participation

Abstract:
Hearing loss is associated with decreased engagement in and enjoyment of social activities, for both individuals with hearing loss and communication partners (Vas et al., 2017). Though some studies have reported reduced social isolation and loneliness scores following hearing intervention, these topics remain relatively under-studied (see review by Ellis et al., 2021).

The purpose of this study is to explore the effects of hearing aid use on self-perceived handicap, third-party disability and social participation via questionnaires in adults with hearing loss and no prior experience with amplification.

The results of this investigation are promising for future use of these questionnaires.

Summary:
Self-perceived handicap, third-party disability and social participation, as reported by the participants and their significant others, is hypothesized to improve over the 6-month wearing period following initial hearing aid fitting.

Participants were 14 adults (6 males, 8 females) aged 43 to 76 years (m=66.2±10.0) with mild to moderately-severe bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. They were first-time hearing aid users from the Aurora, IL area and were fit with hearing aids.

Participants were also provided with the Revised Hearing Handicap Inventory (RHHI) and Social Participation Restrictions Questionnaire (SPaRQ) and instructed to complete them at home prior to their fitting appointment. Just prior to their final study visit, these same questionnaires were completed at home and returned at their final visit. In addition, about 6 weeks after being fit with hearing aids, the participant completed the RHHI.

If the participant had a significant other (SO), the Significant Other Scale for Hearing Disability (SOS-HEAR) questionnaire was also sent home with the participant in a separate envelope, along with written instructions and completed prior to the fitting appointment as well as just prior to the final study appointment.

Results for the RHHI were analyzed using a linear mixed effect analysis of variance (ANOVA) to examine differences in self-reported hearing difficulty across the three measurement intervals (i.e., baseline vs. 6 weeks post-fit, baseline vs. 6-months post-fit, and 6 weeks vs. 6-months post fit). The statistical model indicates that there is a significant effect of session. Post-hoc tests reveal that both post measurements are rated significantly better than the pre-fitting, but not differently from each other.

Results from the SOS-HEAR were analyzed using a paired t-test to examine differences in third-party hearing disability between baseline and 6-months post-fit. Findings indicate that there is a significant difference between pre- and post- fitting, with better ratings for the post- session.

SPaRQ responses were analyzed using a paired t-test to examine differences in self-reported social participation restriction between baseline and 6-months post-fit. A pre-post difference in the social behavior subscale revealed a significant difference whereby participants reported worse ratings in the pre- vs. post-session. There was no significant effect for the social perception subscale even though participants on average also rated the pre-session higher than the post-session.

The clinical takeaway for this session is these questionnaires can be used to assess relatively short-term outcomes of self-perceived handicap, third-party disability and social participation following a hearing aid intervention.