HHIE-S · 3 minutes

Hearing handicap screener (HHIE-S)

Ten short questions about how hearing affects daily activities — phone calls, family conversations, restaurants, TV. Result tells you whether formal audiometry is warranted.

← All self-assessments

1 of 100% complete
Question 1

Does a hearing problem cause you to feel embarrassed when meeting new people?

Educational tool — not a diagnosis. HHIE-S, Ventry & Weinstein 1983. Standard validated screener for adult hearing handicap, used worldwide.

Frequently asked

Plain-language answers about hearing loss, this screener, and what evaluation costs at a Class A hospital in China.

What does my HHIE-S score mean?
0–8 indicates no significant self-perceived handicap, 10–22 mild-to-moderate handicap, 24–40 significant handicap. Scores ≥10 are conventionally used to refer for formal audiometry.
What does an audiometry workup cost in China?
Pure-tone audiometry plus speech audiometry plus tympanometry at a Class A ENT department typically costs $80–140 — full audiology workup with otoacoustic emissions and ABR is $200–340.
Are hearing aids cheaper in China?
Yes. Major-brand mid-range hearing aids (Phonak, Oticon, Widex) at Class A ENT departments are typically 40–60% cheaper than US private-channel pricing, with audiologist fitting included.

About this screener

HHIE-S, Ventry & Weinstein 1983. Standard validated screener for adult hearing handicap, used worldwide.

What this screener covers

  • Sensorineural hearing loss, bilateral(ICD-10 H90.3)
  • Presbycusis (age-related hearing loss)(ICD-10 H91.1)

Medical review

Reviewed by Panda Touring Care medical team (ENT coordinator review) · last reviewed 2025-04-01