Aural rehabilitation encompasses development or improvement of any or all of the abilities that contribute to the ability to understand spoken language. It may involve the use of hearing instruments, assistive listening devices or other technology, but is not limited to the use of these tools. Rather, it may encompass understanding of and ability to utilize information regarding visual aspects of communication, linguistic cues, control of noise, proper positioning, lighting, communication repair strategies, eliciting the cooperation of communication partners, learning to be assertive and other such skills.

Aural rehabilitation implies that you have already developed certain listening skills, but impaired hearing has lessened their effectiveness so that you need to develop new skills and abilities to help you overcome the effects of your hearing loss. In the case of a child who has never developed these capacities, it might be more appropriately be referred to as aural habilitation.

Aural rehabilitation is an often overlooked aspect of dealing with hearing loss. Many folks think that, if they have a hearing problem, they can simply buy a hearing aid and-Shazam!-the problem is solved. Unfortunately, the problem is not analogous to fitting corrective lenses to resolve a refractive error. Spending the time to develop effective aural rehabilitative skills results in a significant payoff to both the hearing impaired person and those with whom he/she interacts. For most effective results, important communication partners should be directly involved in the aural rehabilitation training.

Audiologists have the skills and knowledge to effectively offer this training. Because reimbursement formulae often fail to provide adequate coverage for this service, it is often neglected. Discuss this issue with your audiologist and find out what they can offer or what other resources may be available to you in your community.

Using hearing instruments without employing effective aural rehabilitation strategies robs you of the full effectiveness of your investment. The hearing instruments will, of course, help; but, you will greatly enhance your communication effectiveness in everyday situations and environments if you learn and practice sound principles of aural rehabilitation.