Auditory rehabilitation, also known as hearing or audiologic rehabilitation, is a comprehensive approach to managing hearing loss that goes beyond just using hearing aids. When hearing loss is left untreated, even for a short period, the brain can forget how to process sounds. This is akin to forgetting information after putting off studying or struggling on your run after too much rest.
Aural rehabilitation aims to retrain the brain to recognize and process sounds effectively. This program offers strategies and tools designed to improve conversational ability and understanding, enhancing the overall quality of life for patients with hearing loss.
Approximately one in 10 people in the United States have hearing loss. Let’s take a look at a few common aural rehabilitation techniques you can use to minimize the impact of your hearing loss.
Ask For Help
Asking others to repeat themselves when necessary is crucial. Be specific about what you didn’t understand. If you find it helpful, ask others not to cover their mouths while speaking, as visual cues from lip movements can aid comprehension. Remember that asking for clarification is never inconvenient and can even let your communication partner know that what they say matters.
Minimize Background Noise
Background noise can significantly interfere with your ability to understand speech. Strategies to minimize background noise include choosing quieter locations for conversations or turning down the volume of background music. If you find yourself struggling, try swapping busy restaurants for quiet days in Stringtown Park with your friends.
Practice Active Listening
Active listening is the act of fully engaging with the speaker by maintaining eye contact, nodding and providing verbal responses. This conscious effort helps improve focus and retention during the conversation.
Try Audiobooks and Reading Aloud
Listening to audiobooks and reading aloud are effective ways to acclimate to the sounds of words and phrases. This practice helps reinforce auditory learning and improve speech recognition. Try streaming your next book through your hearing aids to help you acclimate to your new devices.
Use Visual Cues and Context Clues
Visual cues like facial expressions and body language provide additional context. Using context clues involves drawing on the surrounding environment, previous conversations and general knowledge to fill in gaps when parts of a conversation are missed. This strategy helps you make educated guesses and improve overall comprehension.
Incorporating these techniques into daily communication allows you to experience clearer and less stressful interactions. Contact Certified Hearing Aid Consultants today to find the right combination of hearing aids and communication strategies.