Hubungan Gangguan Pendengaran Dengan Kualitas Hidup Pada Lansia Yang Dinilai Dengan Kuesioner Hearing Handicap Inventory Elderly – Screening Di Unit Pelaksana Teknis Daerah Pelayanan Sosial Lansia Binjai Dinas Sosial Provinsi Sumatera Utara

Abstract

Background: Age-related hearing loss is highly prevalent among the elderly and has significant psychosocial consequences that may reduce quality of life. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the relationship between hearing impairment and quality of life among elderly individuals assessed using the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly–Screening (HHIE-S) questionnaire. Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted at the Regional Technical Implementation Unit for Elderly Social Services (UPTD Pelayanan Sosial Lansia) Binjai, North Sumatra Province. Hearing function was evaluated using pure-tone audiometry to determine the degree and type of hearing loss. Quality of life was assessed using the HHIE-S questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the association between hearing loss and quality of life. Results: The majority of participants were elderly aged over 65 years, with sensorineural hearing loss being the most common type. Increasing severity of hearing loss was significantly associated with poorer quality of life scores. Elderly individuals with moderate to severe hearing loss showed significantly higher HHIE-S scores compared to those with mild hearing loss. Conclusion: There is a significant relationship between hearing impairment and quality of life among the elderly. Early detection and appropriate intervention for hearing loss are essential to improve quality of life in this population. Keywords : hearing impairment, quality of life, Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly–Screening (HHIE-S) questionnaire