This project aims at providing the scientific basis for the assessment of individual disability due to hearing impairment and relief obtained from hearing devices with optimum ecological validity and sufficient effect size. The measures to be developed will cover communication abilities, social interactions, and participation.

We will characterize the acoustic communication loop of hearing-impaired listeners, provide an evaluation toolbox (outcome measures, methods, acoustic scenes) for assessing authentic unaided and aided performance and preference, and transfer the ICF concept (International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, WHO 2001) into a theory-supported, practically manageable concept for rehabilitative audiology.