Use of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health for monitoring patients using cochlear implants.

PURPOSE: To characterize the profile of patients with cochlear implant as proposed by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health for Children and Youth (ICF-CY).

METHODS

This is a descriptive, cross-sectional retrospective study, which examined 30 medical records of patients using the cochlear implant of Centro de Pesquisas Audiológicas; To characterize the profile of the patients, the ICF-CY was used. Regarding the assessment, researchers relied on procedures performed in clinical routine, besides information registered in the medical record. After reviewing the information, it was related to codes from the ICF-CY; with the addition of a qualifier afterwards.

RESULTS

Overall, 55 codes from the ICF were related to the instruments to characterize this population. Regarding the Body Functions field, most participants did not have disabilities related to reception and expression of oral language and auditory functions, with only written language disabilities being found. These same findings were observed in the Activity and Participation Field. Regarding environmental factors, noise and the non-availability of technology resources to assist in the auditory comprehension of noise were characterized as a barrier, as well as the absence of speech therapy.

CONCLUSION

This study concluded that most of the participating children showed no deficiency in the body functions, with difficulties being only reported in relation to school performance. Environmental factors (noise, non-availability of technological resources, absence of speech therapy) were characterized as a barrier. The need to expand assessments in the clinical routine was also noted.