Technologies and Auditory Rehabilitation Beyond Hearing Aids: An Exploratory Systematic Review
Audiology Research
Pinzón-Díaz, M. C., Martínez-Moreno, O., et al. (2025).
Audiology Research, 15(4), 80.
<div>This exploratory systematic review explores assistive and supportive technology for people with hearing loss excluding hearing aids and cochlear implants.</div>
Colombian School of Rehabilitation; University of Manizales (Colombia)
2018 to 2024
<div>Randomized and non-randomized studies</div>
16
<div>App-based programs allow for real-time monitoring of hearing aid use and may provide audiologists and other healthcare provides with valuable data for the purpose of shared decision-making and goal setting. These services may also provide increased access to educational and support resources which, in turn, may improve hearing aid self-management and aural rehabilitation. </div>
<div>Research supports the use of virtual and augmentative reality for the aural rehabilitation of children with hearing aids or cochlear implants, as immersive training environments may support better learning outcomes in user-friendly ways. </div>
<div>Computer-based auditory training demonstrated at least equivalent speech comprehension outcomes for adults with hearing loss compared to traditional, face-to-face methods, with good cost effectiveness. Computer-based auditory training programs may promote self-management of hearing aids and improve quality of life. These programs may also improve listening abilities and reduce the need for face-to-face services for cochlear implant users. </div>
<div>Telepractice auditory rehabilitation services and consults for adults with hearing loss may improve outcomes by:</div>
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<ul>
<li>providing flexible and timely access to care;</li>
<li>facilitating better hearing aid self-managements;</li>
<li>allowing for frequent monitoring and troubleshooting of the use of hearing aids or other supportive technology; and</li>
<li>allowing for clinicians to focus on treatment planning through the advance submission of patient questionnaires.</li>
</ul>
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<div>Vibrotactile stimulators led to significant auditory gains for adults and young children with hearing loss. </div>
