Classification of hearing aids in CLiQ

Researcher(s): B. Warnaar, E.E.
Supervisor(s): prof. W.A. Dreschler, PhD.

Background:
Cliq is “Classification implements quality”. The Cliq project is a coproduction of the Dutch College of Insurances (CvZ) and the Dutch National ICT Institute in the Healthcare (NICTIZ). The foundation PACT has been invited by CvZ to be responsible for the work package ‘audiological aids’.

Aim:
The aim of the Cliq project is to refine the international classification for medical aids (ISO 9999). The basic assumption of the refinement is the ‘intended use of the product’, in particularly the functionality of the medical aid for the patient. The Dutch translation of ICF (International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health) will be used in the description of the products (WHO, 2001; RIVM, 2002).

Method:
The project aims at six different classes of medical hearing aids:

hearing aids and hearing implants
masks for tinnitus
aids, in combination with hearing aids
alarm- and alert systemen
aids for telephony
aids with improved signal to noise transfer

Also, subclasses of the above mentioned classes will become available.

A group of six experts, each with a history in audiological revalidation, will contribute to the actual contents. At the moment, seven phases are foreseen:

An inventory of products, with an appropriate description (including indications), is made. Based on this inventory a first classification is proposed.
The experts are informed about the project, and made ready for active contribution and participation in the Cliq project, in a kick-off meeting. The first task of the experts will be to react on the first proposed classification.
Changes to the proposed classification, based on comments from the experts, are made to make a solid classification. The updated classification is send to the distributors of the medical aids for additional feedback.
A second meeting with the experts is planned. The basics of the classification are finalized.
The distributors of medical aids are approached a second time and asked to give feedback on the contents of the classification. Results are stored in an Acces database.
A third and last meeting with the experts will lead to a consensus on the classification and its contents.
After the last meeting, some last changes to the project are made and a final report is written.

Results:
Results of work package ‘audiological aids’ are available in a new version of Cliq at the end of 2005.


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General Otology Prevention of hearing loss Auditory profile Rehabilitation Evaluation of Noise Reduction in (digital) Hearing Aids AZOS-project: Modified care model for hearing impaired listeners Classification of hearing aids in CLiQ Interactive fitting of hearing aids “Self learning” or trainable hearing aid Evaluation of advanced hearing aid features Optimalisation of hearing aids through paired comparisons Field trials with innovative hearing instruments The added value of a bilateral hearing aid fitting Hearing at work Publications Presentations	Classification of hearing aids in CLiQ Researcher(s): B. Warnaar, E.E. Supervisor(s): prof. W.A. Dreschler, PhD. Background: Cliq is “Classification implements quality”. The Cliq project is a coproduction of the Dutch College of Insurances (CvZ) and the Dutch National ICT Institute in the Healthcare (NICTIZ). The foundation PACT has been invited by CvZ to be responsible for the work package ‘audiological aids’. Aim: The aim of the Cliq project is to refine the international classification for medical aids (ISO 9999). The basic assumption of the refinement is the ‘intended use of the product’, in particularly the functionality of the medical aid for the patient. The Dutch translation of ICF (International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health) will be used in the description of the products (WHO, 2001; RIVM, 2002). Method: The project aims at six different classes of medical hearing aids: hearing aids and hearing implants masks for tinnitus aids, in combination with hearing aids alarm- and alert systemen aids for telephony aids with improved signal to noise transfer Also, subclasses of the above mentioned classes will become available. A group of six experts, each with a history in audiological revalidation, will contribute to the actual contents. At the moment, seven phases are foreseen: An inventory of products, with an appropriate description (including indications), is made. Based on this inventory a first classification is proposed. The experts are informed about the project, and made ready for active contribution and participation in the Cliq project, in a kick-off meeting. The first task of the experts will be to react on the first proposed classification. Changes to the proposed classification, based on comments from the experts, are made to make a solid classification. The updated classification is send to the distributors of the medical aids for additional feedback. A second meeting with the experts is planned. The basics of the classification are finalized. The distributors of medical aids are approached a second time and asked to give feedback on the contents of the classification. Results are stored in an Acces database. A third and last meeting with the experts will lead to a consensus on the classification and its contents. After the last meeting, some last changes to the project are made and a final report is written. Results: Results of work package ‘audiological aids’ are available in a new version of Cliq at the end of 2005.