title: The ICF core sets for hearing loss project: functioning and disability from the patient perspective.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To explore areas of functioning, disability, and environmental factors of adults with hearing loss (HL) by using the ICF classification as a tool to determine and document each element.
  
  
  METHODS
  A qualitative study applying mainly focus-group methodology was applied.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty-six Dutch and South African adults (≥ 18 years of age) with HL (20-95 dB HL) who used oral communication as first communication. Summative content analysis was performed on the transcripts by linkage to appropriate ICF categories.
  
  
  RESULTS
  143 ICF categories were identified, most of which belonged to the Activities & Participation (d) component, closely followed by the Environmental factors component. Participants specifically mentioned categories related to oral communication and interaction. Assistive technology (such as hearing aids), noise, and support by and attitudes of others in the environment of the participants were considered highly influential for functioning and disability.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The present study illustrates the complex and encompassing nature of aspects involved in functioning and disability of adults with HL. Findings highlight the necessity of using a multidimensional tool, such as the ICF, to map functioning and disability with hearing loss, allowing consideration and evaluation of aspects that are both internal and external.
authors.affiliation: * Audiological Research Centre, Örebro University Hospital, School of Health and Medical Sciences / Swedish Institute for Disability Research, Örebro University , Örebro , Sweden.
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Granberg
authors.forename: Marieke
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pronk
authors.forename: De Wet
authors.initials: de W
authors.lastname: Swanepoel
authors.forename: Sophia E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Kramer
authors.forename: Hanna
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Hagsten
authors.forename: Jennie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hjaldahl
authors.forename: Claes
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Möller
authors.forename: Berth
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Danermark
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D004777:Environment; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006310:Hearing Aids / Q000523:psychology; D034381:Hearing Loss / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000534:rehabilitation; D006801:Humans; D064702:International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009426:Netherlands; D019986:Persons with Hearing Disabilities / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D036301:Qualitative Research; D013019:South Africa; D014705:Verbal Behavior; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: ICF; ICF core sets; focus groups; patient perspective; qualitative study