Learning Objectives: WHODAS 2.0 may not be sensitive enough in detecting quality of life change in hearing-related disability.
Introduction: The objective of this study is to evaluate the relationship of pure tone audiogram (PTA) score, screening questionnaire and quality of life assessment via World Health Organisation Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0(WHODAS 2.0) in our Singaporean population.
Methods: A retrospective review of 56 participants who were recruited for hearing screening held in a Singaporean Tertiary General Hospital from 29–30th May 2013 was done. Information recorded include general demographics, self-perception of hearing level, Hearing Handicap Inventory for Elderly Screening (HHIE-S) for participants >60 years old, Hearing Handicap Inventory for Adults (HHIA) for participants PTA (0.5, 1, 2, 4 kHz) done by an experienced audiologist. WHODAS 2.0 was measured as a total global score (maximum: 100) as well as specific domain scores for 6 domains: Cognition, Mobility, Self-Care, Getting along, Life activities and Participation.
Results: The mean total WHODAS score was 42.3 (Range: 32–96, SD: 14.5). Mean specific domain scores include: Cognition at 8.9 (Range: 6–19, SD: 3.6), Mobility at 6.6 (Range: 5–17, SD: 3.02), Self-Care at 4.4 (Range: 5–12, SD: 1.53), Getting along at 6.1 (Range: 5–17, SD: 2.49), Life activities at 5.14 (Range: 4–14, SD: 2.54).
There was no significant correlation found between total WHODAS score and PTA score of better ear (p=0.322) and between domain specific WHODAS score and PTA score, except for the Getting Along domain (r=0.26, p=0.031). There was also no significant correlation found between HHIA or HHIE and any WHODAS score (all p>0.05).
Conclusion: WHODAS 2.0 may not be sensitive enough in detecting quality of life change in hearing-related disability in our Singapore population.