by Rachel King, AuD, CCC-A
Hearing aids are amazing now! They do so much to connect people with hearing loss to their world. However, hearing aids are not cures for hearing loss. They do not restore normal hearing. There are still limits to what hearing aids can do. And that is why we need to take a more holistic approach to treatment of hearing loss.
Aural Rehabilitation is a process where we help you learn about hearing loss, its effects on your life, how to cope with those effects and how to communicate with hearing loss. Think about how we do physical therapy for things like knee replacements or injuries. Aural rehabilitation is like therapy for your hearing. We look at technology as part of this process, including hearing aids, cochlear implants or bone conduction hearing devices. We look at how we can get the most of the technology available while strategizing for those areas that technology cannot yet solve.
We start with learning about hearing loss and its effects on life because understanding this is essential to being able to find strategies for coping with this disability. Then we learn about technology that is available and how it helps. Once we have these foundations in place, we look at different situations in which hearing is very difficult, even with technology, and learn about why that situation is so difficult. What are the obstacles that are getting in the way of your ability to hear and understand? Once we have identified these obstacles, we can then devise a strategy to overcome them.
Basic rehabilitation services are given when we test your hearing and explain those results as well as when we fit you with hearing aids. For some, that is enough. For many people with hearing loss, however, more formal rehabilitation is needed. This rehabilitation is offered through a variety of channels, including online programs.
At Killean Audiology and Hearing Aid Centers, we offer an online option known as the “Hearing Wellness Journey”. We realize, however, that online training isn’t right for everyone. We are now offering both group and individual couple’s in-person rehabilitation! We accept 3-4 couples for our group program. A group program offers great benefits of getting to know other couples who also struggle with hearing loss and communication. We learn from each other about things that work and things that don’t work. We also form a sense of community, helping to ease the loneliness that hearing loss can cause.
Not everyone can make the group meeting, and that’s okay. We also offer individual couple’s rehabilitation. You and your favorite communication partner can come to our Davenport location and participate in this program. The outline is the same as the group program, however, we have the ability to tailor this program to meet your unique needs.
Benefits of participation in Aural Rehabilitation are priceless. Think about how much we rely on verbal communication! We use our hearing to connect with others and form meaningful relationships. The definition of communication includes building interpersonal rapport (American Heritage College Dictionary). This rapport is crucial for mental, spiritual and physical health. By participating in a rehabilitation program, you are opening doors for improved communication which leads to improved relationships. Whether you want to do the online program or the in-person program, we are here to help you!