![]() ![]() By meeting and interacting with other individuals who have a hearing loss, group members can share their experiences of hearing difficulties and unsatisfactory social interactions. The study determined that those who participated in group aural rehabilitation programs showed a statistically significant improvement in quality of life.Īdditionally, participation in group aural rehabilitation programs is an effective strategy to address the stigma associated with hearing loss (Hetu, 1996). For example, a study conducted by Abrams et al (2002) analyzed the benefit of group aural rehabilitation programs in relation to the cost of providing these services. Research consistently demonstrates the benefits of group aural rehabilitation. The results revealed that, although all individuals benefited from the program, those who participated along with a communication partner demonstrated significantly more benefit on a measure of hearing-loss-related quality of life than individuals who participated alone. Instead, they are the underlying essential components of the compassionate care that audiologists provide to their patients (Abrahamson and Wayner, 2000).īut is it really that important to include significant others in group aural rehabilitation? One study evaluated the benefit of including communication partners in a typical aural rehabilitation group experience (Preminger, 2003). These programs are not simply something that is added to the audiologists’ role. Group aural rehabilitation programs that include individuals with hearing loss and their spouses, children, or caregivers can be instrumental in addressing the residual effects that remain after the hearing aid fitting. Although hearing aids may help to improve the quality of life for people with hearing loss, residual difficulties can remain. Additionally, a person’s hearing loss can affect his or her personal and social relationships with a significant other (Brooks et al, 2001). ![]() It is well understood that hearing loss greatly affects an individual’s quality of life, as difficulties with communication affect interactions with others (Ciorba et al, 2012). There are numerous advantages to offering group aural rehabilitation, but what makes a program successful? Why Offer a Group Aural Rehabilitation Program? These programs focus on hearing aid use, the psychosocial aspects of living with hearing loss, collaborative problem solving, and the facilitation of communication strategies (Kricos, 2000). Over the years, there has been an expansion of group aural rehabilitation programs facilitated by audiologists to support new hearing aid users and their families. This article is a part of the November/December 2018, Volume 30, Number 6, Audiology Today issue. ![]()
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