The ICF core sets for hearing loss project: Functioning and disability from the patient perspective

Abstract

Objective: To explore areas of functioning, disability, and environmental factors of adults with hearing loss (HL) by using the ICF classification as a tool to determine and document each element. Design: A qualitative study applying mainly focus-group methodology was applied. Study sample: Thirty-six Dutch and South African adults (≥ 18 years of age) with HL (20–95 dB HL) who used oral communication as first communication. Summative content analysis was performed on the transcripts by linkage to appropriate ICF categories. Results: 143 ICF categories were identified, most of which belonged to the Activities & Participation (d) component, closely followed by the Environmental factors component. Participants specifically mentioned categories related to oral communication and interaction. Assistive technology (such as hearing aids), noise, and support by and attitudes of others in the environment of the participants were considered highly influential for functioning and disability. Conclusions: The present study illustrates the complex and encompassing nature of aspects involved in functioning and disability of adults with HL. Findings highlight the necessity of using a multidimensional tool, such as the ICF, to map functioning and disability with hearing loss, allowing consideration and evaluation of aspects that are both internal and external.

Key Words::

• ICF
• ICF core sets
• focus groups
• qualitative study
• patient perspective

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank 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], and the following members of the ICF core sets for HL steering committee: Jean-Pierre Gagné, Louise Hickson, Bradley McPherson, Jan Peter Strömgren, and Gerold Stucki. The authors would also like to extend a special thanks to all participants who willingly shared their lived experiences, Agaath Dondorp from Amsterdam for assisting in the Dutch focus groups, Ulrika Englund from the Swedish Institute of Disability Research (SIDR) for data management, and to all staff in South Africa who facilitated the data collecting procedure.

Declaration of interest: This work was funded by grants from the Oticon Foundation.