Objective: This investigation evaluated the associated factors with self-reported outcome in hearing aid users by adopting the Korean version of International Outcome Inventory for Hearing Aids (IOI-HA) and Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly (HHIE).
Methods: Two hundred and eight participants were enrolled in this study. Participants completed the HHIE at pre-fitting, HHIE and the IOI-HA at 1 and 3 months after fitting. The outcomes of both questionnaires were analyzed with regard to the variable factors reported or expected to be associated with the outcome of hearing aid use.
Results: The hearing-related handicap evaluated by HHIE score at pre-fitting had significant associations with age and the severity of hearing impairment. The IOI-HA score with hearing aid use was significantly correlated with WRS and the severity of hearing impairment. The improvement of HHIE score showed a significant correlation with WRS.
Conclusion: Word recognition score (WRS) is the most significantly associated factor for outcome of hearing aid use. In addition, audiometric configuration, previous experience of hearing aid use, and initial hearing handicap should be considered as associated factors with hearing aid outcome.
Keywords: HHIE; Hearing aid; IOI-HA; elderly; outcome; word recognition score.