Introduction to Audiologic Rehabilitation: Facilitating Communication Across the Lifespan, Eighth Edition
Aural rehabilitation is the interprofessional process of helping individuals with hearing loss use hearing technology to access and use sound for communication. This process spans the initial assessment of hearing to the fitting of devices and the ongoing support required to integrate hearing technology into everyday life. Aural rehabilitation benefits a wide range of individuals—from infants identified through newborn hearing screening to adults experiencing age-related hearing loss. Over the past 30 years, advancements such as universal newborn hearing screening, digital hearing aids, and cochlear implants have brought aural rehabilitation to the forefront of clinical practice when serving individuals who are Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing.
This textbook explores these innovations and provides comprehensive guidance on aural rehabilitation across the lifespan, including emerging areas such as telepractice, hearing health disparities, and thoughtful discussion of communication opportunities. Because hearing loss impacts various aspects of an individual's life, effective aural rehabilitation requires a collaborative approach across disciplines such as audiology, speech-language pathology, and special education. Understanding these foundational concepts is crucial not only for students preparing for clinical practice but also for experienced providers aiming to stay aligned with current best practices. Introduction to Audiologic Rehabilitation offers learners a comprehensive opportunity to explore these core principles and develop a deeper understanding of innovative, interprofessional strategies in aural rehabilitation.
A key aspect to effective aural rehabilitation is a working understanding of current technology. Comprehensive descriptions and resources related to hearing technology are covered in depth in Chapters 2 and 3, Hearing Aids and Cochlear Implants, respectively. Familiarity with current devices enables clinicians to provide accurate, up-to-date guidance to families navigating complex decisions about hearing care. One of the most significant changes that has occurred are cochlear implant candidacy criteria, both for adults and children. These criteria are important providers to recognize so they can support clients with timely, appropriate referrals. Informed conversations around device options empower patients and caregivers to become active participants in their hearing journey.
Written by researchers and clinical experts, these chapters provide readers with up-to-date information and resources about hearing technology options that are paramount for successful aural rehabilitation. Unlike glasses, learning to hear or develop auditory skills is something that can be supported systematically by a trained provider. Chapter 4 provides a practical, evidence-based resource describing the process of auditory development and resources for training. This chapter bridges theory and application by outlining key auditory milestones and intervention strategies that providers can tailor to the individual needs of their clients.
For adults, learning to listen is often about connecting new sound (or the sound that is now enhanced through hearing technology) to their existing language. Chapter 10 highlights key aspects of supporting adult aural rehabilitation, including tools for helping adults learn about optimizing their communication environments. For example, adults who are Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing may struggle to hear in noisy environments and/or experience social withdrawal, requiring an aural rehabilitation provider to offer specialized counseling and environmental adaptation strategies. The text guides clinicians in addressing these adult-specific needs with evidence-based approaches. Case studies found in Chapter 12 help the learner apply this content in practical, real-life examples.
In contrast to working with adults, aural rehabilitation with children is about developing communication and language through listening skills and hearing technology. This might mean supporting caregivers in early intervention and/or educational providers in schools. Chapter 9 provides an overview of how communication is impacted by hearing loss and provides recommendations for assessment and intervention strategies. Chapter 8 discusses issues in educational settings and provides comprehensive information about laws and accommodations. The text can be supplemented with the pediatric-based case studies in Chapter 11 to provide learners with an opportunity to apply key concepts to real-life scenarios. For instance, educators can implement classroom modifications such as preferential seating and FM/DM systems, while early interventionists can support language development through structured listening and language activities at home.
Introduction to Audiologic Rehabilitation gives readers a comprehensive, up-to-date resource and guide to supporting aural rehabilitation throughout the lifespan. Whether you're an undergraduate or graduate student, new clinician, or seasoned professional, Introduction to Audiologic Rehabilitation is a helpful resource for building and enhancing your skills in this critical area of practice, working with individuals who are Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing. With clear explanations, real-world case studies, and expert guidance across the lifespan—from infants to older adults—this textbook brings together the latest in research, technology, and intervention. It's a practical tool for professionals committed to helping individuals with hearing loss access meaningful communication.