Psychometric validity of the Cochlear Implant Function Index (CIFI): a quality of life assessment tool for adult cochlear implant users.
OBJECTIVE
The Cochlear Implant Function Index (CIFI) is created to assess adult cochlear implant (CI) auditory effectiveness in real world situations. Our objective is to evaluate the CIFI as a reliable psychometric tool to assess 1) reliance on visual assistance, 2) telephone use, 3) communication at work, 4) 'hearing' in noise, 5) in groups, and 6) in large room settings.


METHODS
Based upon Guttman scaling properties, the CIFI elicits implanted respondent's functional level with auditory independence from Level 1 (still requiring signing) to level 4 (without any help beyond CI). A blinded, retrospective questionnaire is anonymously answered by cochlear implant recipients.


METHODS
CI centers of tertiary care medical centers, CI support group, and an interactive web page of a hearing and speech center in a large metropolitan region.


METHODS
245 respondents from a varied adult CI population implanted for one month to 19 years prior to answering the questionnaire.


METHODS
An assessment tool of CI function.


METHODS
A coefficient of reproducibility (CR) for the Guttman scale format equal or greater than 0.90, indicating good scalability.


RESULTS
CR in the CIFI was above 0.90. Effective scalability and mean scores from 2.5 to 3.5 for the six areas examined (1.00-4.00) were achieved.


CONCLUSIONS
The psychometric properties of this user friendly survey demonstrate consistently good scalability. Based on these findings, the CIFI provides a validated tool that can be used for systematic comparisons between groups of patients or for follow-up outcomes in patients who use cochlear implants. Further study is indicated to correlate CIFI scores with sound and speech perception scores.
Coelho
Daniel H
DH
Department of Otolaryngology, New York University School of Medicine, 550 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA.
Hammerschlag
Paul E
PE
Bat-Chava
Yael
Y
Kohan
Darius
D
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003054:Cochlear Implants / Q000523:psychology*; D003638:Deafness / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011594:Psychometrics; D013067:Speech Perception; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult