AUTHOR=Illg Angelika , Amann Edda , Koinig Karin A. , Anderson Ilona , Lenarz Thomas , Billinger-Finke Mareike 

TITLE=A holistic perspective on hearing loss: first quality-of-life questionnaire (HL-QOL) for people with hearing loss based on the international classification of functioning, disability, and health

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Audiology and Otology

VOLUME=1

YEAR=2023

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/audiology-and-otology/articles/10.3389/fauot.2023.1207220

DOI=10.3389/fauot.2023.1207220

ISSN=2813-6055

ABSTRACT=<sec><title>Introduction</title><p>To date, there is no quality-of-life questionnaire for people with hearing loss based on a multidisciplinary framework. Therefore, this study aimed to develop and validate a comprehensive assessment tool that addresses quality of life in people with hearing loss who use a cochlear implant based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF).</p></sec><sec><title>Methods</title><p>In a first step, the Quality of Life in People with Hearing Loss Questionnaire (HL-QoL) was developed and tested for face validity. In a second step, the HL-QoL was evaluated and validated. In a third step, the HL-QoL was finalized based on the outcomes of the evaluation and validation.</p></sec><sec><title>Results</title><p>Eighty-four study participants fully completed the HL-QoL. The result of the test-retest reliability analysis was high and highly significant (<italic>n</italic> = 63; <italic>r</italic> = 0.914; <italic>p</italic> &lt; 0.001). The mean total HL-QoL score (100.7 ± SD 24.58) suggests an overall high level of quality-of-life in this sample of people with hearing loss using a cochlear implant. The final version of the HL-QoL contains 21 items.</p></sec><sec><title>Conclusion</title><p>The HL-QoL has shown to be a valid and reliable tool to assess quality of life in people with hearing loss who use a cochlear implant. In addition to the total score, it is possible to calculate subscales based on the ICF components <italic>Body Functions</italic> and <italic>Activities and Participation</italic>.</p></sec>