Analysis of Research Trends on Older Adults with Hearing Loss in Korea: Using the ICF Core Set

Purpose: This study aimed to analyze trends of research on older adults with hearing loss, based on the framework of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) core set for hearing loss in Korea, and to present implications for the direction and challenges of research on older adults with hearing loss in the future. Methods: A total of 54 studies related to older adults with hearing loss, published in academic journals from 2000 to July 2023 in Korea, were analyzed. Results: In the analysis of research methods, quantitative studies accounted for 97.0%, among which survey studies accounted for 56.7%, more than experimental studies. As a result of the analysis by research theme, studies related to ‘quality of life and satisfaction (21.1%)’ and ‘psychological and emotional characteristics (18.3%)’ were frequent. As a result of the analysis by the classification of the ICF core set, among the components of the ICF, studies related to ‘activities and participation’ and ‘body functions’ were the most. By subcategory, ‘hearing functions (12.0%)’ and ‘emotional functions (11.7%)’ of the body functions sub-area, and ‘listening (10.9%)’ of the activities and participation subarea were frequent. Conclusion: The results of this study will be useful as a foundational reference for the evaluation of hearing impairments of older adults with hearing loss, the development of hearing rehabilitation programs, and the establishment of various health and welfare policies.