Elderly nursing home residents experiencing hearing impairment: A comparison between self-report and proxy asessemnts

Abstract

This study investigates the agreement between clients and caretakers about the experience of possible hearing impairment. Self-report and proxy report data on subjective complaints of hearing impairment among a group of 32 client-proxy pairs was assessed. Three existing questionnaires were used: the Amsterdam Inventory of Auditory Disability and Handicap; the Hearing Handicap and Disability Inventory – Disability scale; and the hearing Handicap and Disability Inventory – Handicap scale. There was no correlation found within the pairs. However, total mean differences between the groups (clients – caretakers) were found to be significant. Clients rate their hearing ability significantly more positive than their proxies.