Aural Rehabilitation

What is Aural Rehabilitation? 

Aural rehabilitation is a comprehensive process aimed at helping adults with hearing loss, hearing aids, or cochlear implants improve their ability to communicate effectively and enhance their overall quality of life. This rehabilitation process is not just about fitting a device; it involves a range of therapeutic strategies designed to optimize hearing and communication, address the emotional and psychological impacts of hearing loss, and empower individuals to live fuller, more connected lives.


Aural rehabilitation is a personalized process that may include the following components:


Psychosocial Support

    • Counseling: Education about hearing loss, hearing aids, and cochlear implants. Counseling also addresses the emotional and psychological effects of hearing loss, such as frustration, anxiety, or social withdrawal.
    • Stress Management: Techniques to manage the stress and anxiety that can accompany hearing loss, including relaxation exercises, mindfulness, and cognitive-behavioral strategies.


Auditory Training

      • Speech Recognition Training: Structured activities designed to improve the ability to recognize and understand speech, including individual speech sounds.
      • Speech-in-Noise Training:  Training activities targeting the ability to understand speech in noisy environments. This may include practicing listening to different words and sentences in varying degrees of noise. 
      • Speechreading (Lip Reading): Training to use visual cues from the speaker’s face to enhance understanding, particularly in challenging listening situations.
      • Music Perception Training: Structured activities designed to improve the ability to recognize and understand speech, including individual speech sounds.


Communication Strategies

  • Environmental Modifications: Tips on how to optimize listening environments, such as reducing background noise, improving lighting, and positioning oneself closer to the speaker.
  • Assertive Communication: Techniques for managing conversations, such as asking for clarification, repeating information, or requesting quieter settings.
  • Use of Assistive Devices: Training on how to effectively use assistive listening devices, such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, FM systems, or Bluetooth-enabled devices, to improve communication.


Family and Partner Involvement

  • Family Education: Involving family members or close friends in the rehabilitation process helps them understand the challenges of hearing loss and how they can support their loved ones.
  • Communication Partner Training: Teaching communication partners strategies to enhance conversations, such as speaking clearly, maintaining eye contact, and being patient.


Who Can Benefit from Aural Rehabilitation?

Aural rehabilitation is beneficial for any adult who experiences hearing loss, whether they use hearing aids, cochlear implants, assistive listening devices, or choose not to wear amplification. It is particularly important for:


  • Cochlear Implant Users: Adjusting to cochlear implants can be challenging. Consistent device use and additional aural rehabilitation therapy can help the brain adjust to the new electrical signal. 
  • Long-Term Hearing Loss: Individuals who have experienced hearing loss for many years may have developed communication habits that are difficult to change. Aural rehabilitation provides auditory training and strategies to improve their communication in various listening environments.
  • Progressive Hearing Loss: As hearing loss progresses, individuals may need to adapt to changing hearing abilities. Aural rehabilitation teaches strategies for effective communication and offers support during these transitions.
  • Unaided Hearing Loss: For those who choose not to utilize amplification (hearing aids/cochlear implants) to treat hearing loss, can improve their brain’s ability to use their remaining hearing. Training focuses on communication strategies and improving speech perception.


The Benefits of Aural Rehabilitation 

Engaging in aural rehabilitation offers numerous benefits, including:


  • Improved Speech Understanding: Better recognition and comprehension of speech in various listening environments, leading to more successful and efficient communication.
  • Increased Confidence: With improved communication skills, individuals feel more confident in social situations, reducing the likelihood of social withdrawal and isolation.
  • Enhanced Quality of Life: By addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of hearing loss, aural rehabilitation helps individuals maintain an active, engaged lifestyle.
  • Better Understanding of Hearing Loss and Devices: Educating patients on their hearing loss and devices ensures that hearing aids or cochlear implants are used effectively and comfortably, maximizing their benefits. Including families in education improves their understanding of their loved ones. 


How can Hearing Brain Help Improve Your Hearing?

When you first contact Hearing Brain Audiology, you will schedule a complimentary 15-minute telehealth consultation, where we will talk about the process and get to know you and your hearing journey. This is a chance to ask questions, voice your concerns, and see if our services fit your needs. 


Before your consultation:

    • Share a Recent Hearing Test: This helps us better understand your listening and communication needs for the appointment.
    • Fill Out the Hearing Loss Intake Form: A link will be shared once you schedule your consultation.


After your consultation:

We will work with you to schedule a functional listening assessment to determine your current listening skills. She will then design a fully custom, evidence-based, therapy plan to help you achieve your hearing goals. All treatment activities and suggestions are based on the patient's goals and impact areas discussed during the consultation and functional listening assessment. 


For individual therapy sessions, we will work with you to schedule your appointments for days and times that work best for you. The frequency and spacing out of appointments are determined by the needs of the patient and the level of support required. Each session is scheduled for 1 hour. 


Getting Started with Aural Rehabilitation 

If you or a loved one are struggling with hearing loss or adjusting to hearing aids or cochlear implants, aural rehabilitation can make a significant difference. Aural rehabilitation is more than just adjusting to your devices—it's about reclaiming your ability to communicate, connect, and thrive. With the right support and strategies, individuals with hearing loss can enhance their hearing capabilities, boost their confidence, and enjoy a more fulfilling life. 


If you are ready to improve your communication and quality of life, consider exploring the benefits of aural rehabilitation today. Contact Hearing Brain Audiology to schedule a complimentary consultation. Our specialists will design a personalized rehabilitation plan tailored to your specific needs and goals.