Aural Rehabilitation

When it comes to dealing with hearing loss, some think that simply getting hearing aids or other listening devices is the "rehabilitation." Aural rehabilitation (audiologic rehabilitation), however, is a much broader concept. It focuses on reducing difficulties related to hearing loss and listening. The overall goal is to maximize communication success in everyday environments and situations.

Aural rehabilitation services may include:

learning "how" to liste n
learning how hearing loss affects speech
learning skills in speechreading (lipreading, facial expression, gestures, body language)
building confidence in handling communication situations
learning what to do when you "don' t get the message"
learning how to use your hearing aids or cochlear implant
learning about different kinds of technology to improve communication
learning how to advocate for yourself
learning what your rights are under various laws
promoting family and care-giver understanding and support of your needs
learning how you can make it easier for your family to communicate with you.

Audiologists and speech-language pathologists certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) can provide aural rehabilitation services. It is usually the audiologist who develops the audiologic rehabilitation plan. Audiologists and speech-language pathologists often collaborate in delivering aural rehabilitation services. Depending on your particular need, one or the other professional may take a lead.

For example, the audiologist:

Would be responsible for fitting and dispensing hearing aids, sensory aids, assistive listening devices and training you how to use them.
Can provide counseling about your hearing loss and processes to enhance your communication
Can provide skills training concerning environmental modifications to facilitate development of receptive and expressive communication
Can conduct aural rehabilitation assessment and design a management plan with you.

The speech-language pathologist:

Would be responsible for evaluating receptive and expressive communication skills and providing services to develop or improve receptive and expressive communication.
Can provide treatment focusing on comprehension of language in oral, signed, or written modes
Can provide treatment dealing with speech and voice production
Can provide treatment such as auditory training and speechreading

Can provide training in communication strategies.

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