What is typically measured by the Hearing Handicap Inventory (HHI)?

The Hearing Handicap Inventory (HHI) is specifically designed to assess the social and emotional effects of hearing loss on an individual's life. It measures the behavioral and social impacts that hearing impairment can have, such as difficulties in communication and the way it affects social interactions and relationships.

This tool helps identify how the hearing loss influences a person's day-to-day functioning and overall quality of life, thus providing valuable insights to audiologists and professionals who might be considering interventions or support strategies for the individual. The HHI is not focused on technical specifications related to hearing devices or the performance of hearing aids; rather, it emphasizes the personal experience of living with hearing loss, making it a critical measure of the social impacts of this condition.