Auditory training is the method by which a hearing aid user or cochlear implant recipient is taught how to use the sound provided by their device(s) to receive and understand speech and spoken language.
Evaluation
During evaluation, speech-language pathologists:
- Review hearing history.
- Discuss the sounds received through a hearing aid or cochlear implant and how they change or normalize over time.
- Assess current listening skills.
- Discuss individual capabilities based on auditory capacity.
- Discuss an individualized treatment program.
Training
Auditory training consists of one-on-one sessions with a speech-language pathologist who designs and implements specific activities to improve hearing aid and/or cochlear implant listening skills. While some improvement in listening will occur naturally with the receipt of a hearing aid or cochlear implant, most patients benefit from skilled treatment which targets more challenging auditory skills and results in more rapid progress.