Auditory Training and Adult Rehabilitation: A Critical Review of the Evidence
Global Journal of Health Science
Bronus, K., El Refaie, A., et al. (2011).
Global Journal of Health Science, 3(1), 49-63.
This systematic review investigates the effect of auditory training on speech discrimination, speech perception, speech comprehension, or syllable identification outcomes in deaf or hard of hearing adults.
Six studies investigating the effect of auditory training (AT) on adults with hearing loss reported "a degree of improvement in [speech discrimination] measures recorded post-training, although the effect size and AT format varied" (p. 52). Three studies reported retention of speech recognition improvements after completing AT: one at 4 weeks post-, one at 8 weeks post-, and one at 14 weeks post-intervention. One study reported improved scores on the Communication Profile for the Hearing Impaired after a 4 week AT program, though no change was found on the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly. No difference was identified between types of AT approaches. "The evidence-base is encouraging but in its infancy with more [research] required before AT can be recommended as part of aural rehabilitation for adults" (p. 55).
