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Studying tinnitus in the ICF framework
1Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, Sri Ramachandra University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. vidya.ramkumar@gmail.com
International Journal of Audiology
|August 17, 2010
Summary
Tinnitus significantly impacts body function but shows minimal effect on activity limitation and participation restriction (AL/PR) according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework. Psycho-acoustic factors had little influence on these limitations.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Health Sciences
Background:
- Tinnitus, characterized by auditory perception without external stimuli, can affect daily life.
- Understanding its impact on activity limitation and participation restriction (AL/PR) is crucial for effective management.
- The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) provides a framework to assess these impacts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of chronic tinnitus on activity limitation and participation restriction within the ICF framework.
- To determine how tinnitus affects individuals' ability to fulfill social and economic obligations.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-one adults (20-60 years) with chronic tinnitus and normal hearing were studied.
- The Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) was mapped to the ICF framework, with additional AL/PR items incorporated.
- The THI+ICF questionnaire demonstrated high test reliability (0.987) and internal consistency (0.873).
Main Results:
- Body function domains were significantly more affected by tinnitus than AL/PR (P = 0.0005).
- Tinnitus did not lead to significant activity limitation or participation restriction from the ICF perspective.
- Tinnitus intensity, frequency, and duration showed minimal impact on AL/PR.
Conclusions:
- Tinnitus primarily affects body function rather than causing substantial activity limitations or participation restrictions.
- The ICF framework provides valuable insights into the functional impact of tinnitus.
- Psycho-acoustic characteristics of tinnitus appear to have a limited role in determining overall activity limitations and participation restrictions.
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