audiological rehabilitation
A broad programme of interventions—including hearing aid fitting, counselling, and communication strategy training—aimed at reducing the impact of hearing loss on daily functioning.
Full Definition
Audiological rehabilitation (AR), also termed aural rehabilitation, encompasses all clinical activities beyond diagnosis that help individuals with hearing loss participate more fully in communication. It includes device management, auditory training, speechreading instruction, counselling, and family education. The field is distinct from simply fitting a hearing aid; it addresses the psychosocial consequences of hearing loss. Editors should be aware that 'audiological rehabilitation' and 'aural rehabilitation' are used interchangeably in the literature, though some authors reserve 'aural' for non-device-based interventions. The abbreviation 'AR' is acceptable after first-use expansion. The term must not be shortened to 'auditory rehab,' a colloquial form generally unsuitable in formal documents.
Usage
Usage note: 'Audiological rehabilitation' and 'aural rehabilitation' are interchangeable; flag inconsistent usage within a single document. Do not abbreviate to 'auditory rehab' in formal copy.
In Context
- "Following cochlear implantation, the patient was enrolled in a six-month audiological rehabilitation programme." — Post-surgical management plan
- "Audiological rehabilitation addresses not only device use but also the psychosocial adjustment to hearing loss." — Clinical textbook