Patient perceptions of the multimedia hearing handicap inventory compact disc as a rehabilitation tool in a private practice setting

This research investigation was conducted to determine patient perceptions of a multimedia hearing handicap inventory (MHHI) computer compact disk (CD) as an effective audiological rehabilitation tool in a private practice setting. Thirty older adult subjects with a minimum moderate bilateral sensorineural hearing loss at 1000 Hz and above were used as subjects. Fifteen had prior experience with amplification and fifteen did not. Fourteen subjects were male, and sixteen were female. The test instrument used was the MHHI CD employed on a personal computer. Under the conditions of this study, the following conclusions could be drawn: (1) Both subject groups found the MHHI program easy to read and use; (2) lack of computer experience was not a hindrance in completing the program; (3) neither study group required rephrasing and/or illustration of question content; (4) patient choice of gender in the narrator's voice was reflected in easy understanding and audibility for both subject groups; (5) both subject groups found that the MHHI significantly improved their knowledge about hearing impairment; (6) the hearing profile provided at the end of the program was found to be easily understood, an accurate description of hearing status, and provided substantial motivation to implement intervention suggestions. On the basis of the above conclusions, this study supports the use of the MHHI in a private practice setting. It was found to be of significant value in the audiological rehabilitation process, and is appropriate for new and experienced hearing aid users.