The ICF Core Sets for hearing loss: researcher perspective, Part II: Linking outcome measures to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF)

Abstract

Objective: To link outcome measures used in audiological research to the ICF classification and thereby describe audiological research from the ICF perspective. Design: Through a peer-reviewed or a joint linking procedure, link outcome measures to the ICF classification system using standardized ICF linking rules. Additional linking rules were developed in combination with the established rules to overcome difficulties when connecting audiological data to ICF. Absolute and relative frequencies of ICF categories were reported. Study sample: The identified outcome measures from the previous study (Part I) constituted the empirical material. Results: In total, 285 ICF categories were identified. The most prevalent categories were related to listening, hearing functions, auditory perceptions, emotions and the physical environment, such as noise and hearing aids. Categories related to communication showed lower relative frequencies, as did categories related to the social and attitudinal environment. Conclusions: Based on the linked outcome measures, communication as a research topic is subordinated to other research topics. The same conclusion can be drawn for research targeting the social and attitudinal environment of adults with HL. Difficulties in the linking procedure were highlighted and discussed, and suggestions for future revisions of the ICF from the audiological perspective were described.

Key Words::

• Hearing loss
• audiology
• ICF
• linking
• ICF core sets

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Hans-Erik Frölander, Jean-Pierre Gagné, and De Wet Swanepoel for fruitful discussions and suggestions regarding linking matters; Jerome Bickenbach, Alarcos Cieza, Heinrich Gall, and Melissa Selb from the ICF Research Branch (a cooperation partner within the WHO Collaborating Centre for the Family of International Classifications in Germany [at DIMDI]) for fruitful ICF discussions; Agneta Anderzén Karlsson for discussions and suggestions on manuscript outline; Tobias Åslund at the Audiological Research Centre in Örebro for stylistic support; and the following members of the ICF core sets for HL steering committee: Louise Hickson, Sophia Kramer, Bradley McPherson, Jan Peter Strömgren, and Gerold Stucki.

Declaration of interest: A declaration of interest statement reporting no conflict of interest has been inserted. Please confirm whether the statement is accurate.

This work was funded by grants from the Oticon Foundation and the Stinger Foundation.