![]() ![]() ![]() If you feel that they haven't maxed their potential with the first device, then you can certainly work with that also. In that case, we practice with a new device alone. With sequential amplification, a person gets fit with one form of amplification for one ear/side, and then there is a period of time before they are fit with the second device. It's important that we know what both forms the amplification can do, because we never know when batteries will die or when a device will malfunction. We'll want to ensure they hear equally well with each device, or as well as possible. When we work with both together, all that tells us is what their better hearing side is doing. We want to practice the skills with each form of amplification individually to make sure that they are hearing as well as they can from both devices. A person may get two cochlear implants, or two hearing aids, or they may get fit with a cochlear implant and hearing aid at the same time. In that situation, we want to still practice each cochlear implant, or each hearing aid. We have evidence for different forms of training, for improvement in environmental sounds and sentence recognition, for better consonant and vowel recognition, improved articulation, improved music appreciation, and improved telephone use with adult aural rehabilitation. Refer to the course handout for a list of some of these studies, and refer back to Part 1 of this course where evidence is discussed in greater detail.Special Considerations for Aural RehabilitationBefore we start aural rehabilitation, there are some things we need to consider.What Amplification or Devices to Target?What amplification or devices do we use during therapy? What do we target? Sometimes people get amplification for both ears at exactly the same time we call this simultaneous amplification. So efficacy data is lacking in some areas. We also know that we can't measure everything that we do in adult aural rehabilitation. Research proves that various target areas within aural rehabilitation are effective. However, aural rehabilitation is so diverse that there are not studies that will say "Aural rehabilitation works". We look at how we can help them to overcome some of the challenges that they're facing.Evidence for Aural RehabilitationIn terms of evidence for aural rehab, there are studies that show that aural rehab is effective. Aural rehab is individualized and addresses whatever the adult is struggling with regarding their hearing loss. ![]() Aural rehab is strongly about counseling and education and may include auditory training skills, communication skills, environmental modifications, and technology training. There are a lot of components to aural rehabilitation (or rehab, for short). Aural rehabilitation also addresses how to limit the negative effects of hearing loss and on communication in daily life, and how to compensate for hearing impairment. Overall it helps people take charge of their communication. It also helps them learn to manage conversations including conversational repair and prevention of conversation challenges. It includes ways to maximize their use of hearing aids and cochlear implants, and educates them about assistive devices. Here is a quote from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association that provides a good explanation of adult aural rehabilitation: "If you are an adult, aural/audiologic rehabilitation services will focus on adjusting to your hearing loss, making the best use of your hearing aids, exploring assistive devices that might help, managing conversations, and taking charge of your communication." Adult aural rehabilitation helps people adjust to hearing loss. Part 1 is entitled Adult Aural Rehabilitation: Indications and Assessment, and covers what is aural rehabilitation, who should get it, what's the evidence say about it, and how and what to assess during aural rehabilitation.What is Aural Rehabilitation?I'll start today's course with a quick review. AVT.Learning OutcomesAfter this course, participants will be able to:List a consideration for therapy practice when working with an adult with cochlear implants.List a therapy target for adults with cochlear implants.List an appropriate therapy frequency for adults with cochlear implants. IntroductionThis course is part two of a 2-part series on Adult Aural Rehabilitation. This course is an edited transcript of the webinar, Adult Aural Rehabilitation: Therapy and Goals, presented by Lindsey Zombek, MS, CCC-SLP, LSLS Cert. ![]()
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