Perception of hearing loss and hearing handicap on hearing aid use by nursing home residents.

The purpose of this study was to examine the perception of hearing loss and self-assessed hearing handicap on hearing aid use by nursing home residents. Sixty elderly individuals who had a hearing loss and wore hearing aids were given the Nursing Home Hearing Handicap Index and were asked specific questions related to hearing aid use. The overall results indicated that there was a moderate correlation among all three variables. It was determined that nursing home residents consistently use their hearing aids. However, amplification does not address all the communication needs of the nursing home resident. Assistive listening devices and environmental modification would improve communication ability and the quality of life of the nursing home resident.