Hearing loss is a significant concern globally, and Malaysia is no exception. Statistics indicate that a substantial number of Malaysians experience some degree of hearing impairment. According to a study in 2021, it is estimated that at least 21.5% of the population suffers from hearing loss. This highlights the need for effective interventions such as aural rehabilitation.
It’s not easy to be familiar with new devices for the first time and that’s totally understandable. If you’re a newbie, don’t get discouraged. There is still time to undergo counselling so you’ll know how to use hearing aids and develop your listening abilities.
First-time wearers usually have issues adapting to their own environment since they hear things that don’t seem natural to them. If someone close to you is suffering from hearing loss, you definitely know what we are exactly talking about. As a trusted hearing care centre, Listening Lab provides professional hearing assessment and our hearing experts keep track of every person’s progress in terms of communication abilities.
What is Aural Rehabilitation?
Aural rehabilitation, also referred to as listening, hearing, or auditory rehabilitation, aims to help people with hearing loss improve their communication abilities and overall quality of life. The goal is to help individuals understand speech more clearly and interact effectively in everyday situations.
An aural rehabilitation programme may include:
- Listening / Hearing Tests: These hearing tests assess the person’s current hearing abilities and identify areas that need improvement. This information may help tailor the aural rehabilitation course to the person’s needs.
- Proper Usage of Hearing Aids: Training may involve learning how to use and maintain hearing aids effectively. This ensures that users can maximise the benefits of their devices.
- Speech Tests and Training: Also known as aural rehab speech therapy, this may include exercises designed to improve speech recognition and clarity.
Basically, aural rehabilitation helps people with hearing loss adjust to the use of hearing aids and communicate better in different auditory environments.
Benefits of Aural Rehabilitation and Its Importance
Aural rehabilitation is a crucial component of managing hearing loss, which is why individuals experiencing this condition are often referred to hearing care professionals. Aside from providing hearing aids, effectively training the person on how to cope with their daily lives with newfound or improved hearing is paramount. This approach may benefit adults and children who opt for aural rehab:
Enhance Speech Clarity
When using hearing aids, it is beneficial for individuals to hear their own voice. This may provide valuable feedback for adjusting vocal output. Through hearing loss rehabilitation, our hearing professionals can guide patients to hear their own voices and take speech exercises whenever possible. This includes working on simple pronunciations that can have a positive impact on their speaking abilities.
Build Self-Confidence
An effective aural rehabilitation programme may incorporate structured learning environments and practical sessions, complete with resources designed to enhance patient knowledge and skills. This approach to listening rehabilitation helps to build self-confidence as individuals gain mastery over their communication challenges and feel more equipped to participate fully in social and professional settings.
Eliminate Communication Barriers
Patients undergoing auditory rehabilitation are trained to hear/listen, speak and comprehend so they can easily interact with other people around them. Listening rehabilitation can also help improve speech understanding in noisy environments, making it easier for them to follow conversations in social settings, workplaces, and other challenging auditory situations.
Proper Use of Hearing Aids
A vital part of any aural rehabilitation course involves guiding patients on how to understand and manage the basic device functionalities so it can maximise their hearing and listening abilities. During aural rehab for adults, children or seniors, our experts make sure that people who have these conditions are familiar with the current hearing device technology. We consider sessions that commonly target their weak areas to further improve them.
Who Can Benefit from Aural Rehabilitation Programme?
Hearing loss affects people of all ages, and each group has specific needs. At Listening Lab, our aural rehabilitation programme may be customised to suit babies, children, adults, caregivers, and cochlear implant patients.
Aural Rehabilitation for Babies and Young Children
Early intervention is critical for speech and language development. Auditory training exercises and parental guidance play a big role in this phase. Babies with congenital hearing loss may benefit from ongoing support and structured listening activities.
Aural Rehabilitation for School-Going Children
For school-aged children, hearing rehabilitation may help them stay engaged in the classroom. Strategies may include speech reading, communication exercises, and close monitoring of academic performance.
Aural Rehabilitation for Adults
Aural rehabilitation for adults often focuses on regaining listening comfort, building confidence, and improving social engagement. Whether due to age-related hearing loss or other causes, adults can benefit from targeted exercises and aural rehab speech therapy sessions.
Aural Rehabilitation for Caregivers
Family members and caregivers are integral to the success of any aural rehabilitation programme. By participating in sessions, they learn to support the individual’s journey and help reinforce strategies at home.
Aural Rehabilitation for Cochlear Implant Patients
Post-surgery care is crucial for cochlear implant users. A dedicated aural rehabilitation course helps them adapt to their new hearing experience with structured auditory training and progress tracking.
Techniques and Strategies Used in Aural Rehabilitation
Modern aural rehabilitation programmes employ various techniques and strategies to enhance communication skills. These include:
- Auditory Training Exercises: These exercises help train the brain to recognise and interpret sound more effectively. They are generally helpful for those using hearing aids or cochlear implants.
- Speech Reading and Lip Reading: Visual cues like speech and lip reading can help improve comprehension and are especially helpful for those with severe hearing loss.
- Communication Strategies: Patients are taught how to ask for clarification, manage group conversations, and adapt to challenging auditory environments.
These aural rehabilitation activities for adults and children can make a difference in day-to-day communication.
The Science Behind Aural Rehabilitation
Studies have shown that aural rehabilitation may help reduce the impact of hearing loss on daily activities and enhance the use of hearing aids and other assistive devices. One of the notable studies is conducted by the Center for Hearing and Communication and Gallaudet University. The study found that an 8-week remote auditory training programme improved speech understanding and cognitive areas such as speed, attention, and memory among older adult cochlear implant users. This highlights the potential benefits of incorporating cognitive training into aural rehabilitation protocols.
Another study emphasised that hearing loss rehabilitation can help decrease depressive symptoms associated with hearing loss, particularly in older adults. The research demonstrated that structured auditory training and the use of hearing aids or cochlear implants can lead to improvements in mental health and overall well-being.
Additionally, advances in technology and methodologies continue to improve the outcomes of these aural rehabilitation programmes. Modern techniques such as tele-aural rehabilitation, which offers remote training and support, have made these services more accessible and convenient for patients.
Book a Listening / Aural Rehabilitation Programme in Malaysia Now!
The Listening Lab offers free listening rehabilitation sessions with selected hearing aid model purchases. These sessions aim to accelerate the improvement of hearing aid users' listening skills, helping them achieve better results more quickly.
To schedule an initial consultation for aural rehabilitation, contact us through WhatsApp and make an appointment at your preferred location. Preparing for your first appointment involves bringing your hearing aids, any previous audiogrammes, and a list of your hearing and communication goals. This ensures the audiologist can create a personalised hearing loss rehabilitation plan tailored to your needs.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional or audiologist for specific recommendations and treatments tailored to your individual needs. Aural rehabilitation and hearing aid maintenance should be conducted under the supervision of licensed professionals to ensure safety and effectiveness. The effectiveness of aural rehabilitation techniques and devices can vary from person to person, and it is important to follow professional guidance for the best outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Aural Rehabilitation
How long does aural rehabilitation take?
The duration of aural rehabilitation depends on the individual's hearing needs and goals. It can range from 6 to 12 weeks on average, with sessions typically lasting 45 to 60 minutes. Regular check-ins help monitor progress and make adjustments as needed.
Can children benefit from aural rehabilitation?
Yes, children with hearing loss can benefit from aural rehabilitation. Early hearing rehabilitation supports better language acquisition, school participation, and overall development.
What role do family members play in aural rehabilitation?
Family members play a crucial role in the aural rehabilitation process, and it’s especially important in aural rehab for adults. Their involvement can provide emotional support, assist with practice exercises at home, and help reinforce communication strategies learned during sessions.
Can aural rehabilitation help with tinnitus?
Yes. Some aural rehabilitation programmes can include techniques to manage tinnitus, such as sound therapy and counselling. These methods help reduce the perception of tinnitus and its impact on daily life.
What is the cost of aural rehabilitation?
The cost of aural rehabilitation can vary based on the provider, duration of the programme, and the specific services included. However, at Listening Lab, many aural rehabilitation sessions are included in our Lifetime Aftercare Programme, which is free for those who undergo a full-service hearing aid fitting. For standalone sessions, prices may range from RM100 to RM300 per session, depending on the nature of the programme.
