Auditory Training
Also written as: AT — Auditory Training
Structured therapeutic exercises designed to improve a listener's ability to perceive and interpret auditory signals, particularly following hearing-device fitting.
Full Definition
Auditory training (AT) involves systematic practice activities that target specific auditory skills—such as phoneme discrimination, word recognition, and sentence comprehension—across varying levels of difficulty and listening conditions. It is a core component of aural rehabilitation for both children and adults and can be delivered face-to-face or via computer-based programmes. AT differs from general hearing aid orientation in that it focuses on active perceptual learning rather than device management. Editors should not conflate auditory training with the broader term 'aural rehabilitation', of which AT is only one element.
Usage
Usage note: Do not use as a synonym for 'aural rehabilitation'. Auditory training is one component within an aural rehabilitation programme. Hyphenate only when used as a compound modifier before a noun (e.g., 'auditory-training programme').
In Context
- "Computer-based auditory training was provided for eight weeks to improve phoneme discrimination in noise." — Clinical trial methods section
- "The article used 'auditory training' and 'aural rehabilitation' interchangeably; these terms require editorial distinction." — Manuscript review note