Older adult performance on the communication profile for the hearing impaired

The Communication Profile for the Hearing Impaired (CPHI) (Demorest & Erdman, 1986) is a self-assessment inventory that was developed on a clinical population that included predominantly male, active-duty military personnel. They spanned a 50-year age range (M = 39.5 years) and typically demonstrated bilateral, noise-induced, high-frequency, sensorineural hearing loss. The present study examined CPHI data obtained from approximately equal numbers of advantaged older men and women (M = 75 years) with acquired, mild-moderate, sensorineural hearing loss. Mean, standard deviation, t-test, omega-squared statistics, response frequency distribution, and skewness data are reported. Comparisons of hearing handicap in older adults and generally younger members of the military group are highlighted. Performance differences potentially related to age, personality, lifestyle, and other factors are identified. Results describe the older adult's approach to self-management of hearing loss and associated communication problems. Clinical implications are discussed.