The influence of hearing aid cost on perceived benefit in older adults

Self-report hearing handicap scales are gaining widespread acceptance among clinicians as a technique for quantifying hearing aid benefit. Both auditory and nonauditory (e.g., personality, health, motivation) factors contribute to an individual's response to hearing loss and ultimately to perceived hearing aid benefit. Among the recognized extra-audiological variables, financial concerns may influence a hearing aid user's expectations regarding hearing aid benefit. The present study compared self-perceived benefit in 26 insured and 26 uninsured new hearing aid wearers using the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly (HHIE). HHIE scores at 3 weeks and 6 mo postfitting were equivalent between groups. The findings suggest that the HHIE may be used as an index of hearing aid benefit without concern that the source of funds required to purchase amplification may act as an uncontrolled variable.