The Roles and Responsibilities of Audiologists in Auditory Verbal Therapy

Audiologists play a vital role in the screening, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of individuals with hearing loss. They work closely with speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to provide comprehensive care for patients. In this article, we will explore the roles and responsibilities of audiologists in auditory verbal therapy, also known as aural rehabilitation (AR).

The AR Process

Audiologists are responsible for conducting a thorough assessment of an individual's hearing loss, including their interpersonal, psychosocial, and educational functioning. This comprehensive approach helps audiologists develop personalized treatment plans to address the unique needs of each patient.

Definition of Aural Rehabilitation

Aural rehabilitation is defined as any device, procedure, information, interaction, or therapy that reduces the communicative and psychosocial consequences of a hearing loss (Ross, 1997). Audiologists use sensory management, instruction, perceptual training, and counseling to help individuals with hearing loss overcome communication barriers and improve their quality of life.

Person-Centered Approach

Montano (2014) defines AR as a person-centered approach that encourages shared decision-making between the patient and healthcare provider. This collaborative process helps patients take an active role in managing their hearing loss and exploring ways to reduce its impact on daily activities and participation.

Terminology

The terminology used to describe aural rehabilitation has evolved over the years, with various terms such as audiologic rehabilitation, auditory rehabilitation, hearing rehabilitation, and rehabilitative audiology being used interchangeably. Regardless of the term used, the goal remains the same: to improve communication and quality of life for individuals with hearing loss.

Audiologists play a crucial role in providing comprehensive care for patients with hearing loss through auditory verbal therapy. By understanding the roles and responsibilities of audiologists, individuals can better navigate the process of receiving treatment and improving their overall well-being. Whether referred to as aural rehabilitation or auditory verbal therapy, this type of therapy has been shown to significantly improve communication outcomes and quality of life for individuals with hearing loss.

References

Montano, J. (2014). Aural Rehabilitation: A Person-Centered Approach to Assessment and Management of Hearing Loss. Journal of the American Academy of Audiology, 25(3), 241-253.

Ross, M. (1997). Aural Rehabilitation: Theory and Practice. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

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