Auditory training is a technique to improve your speech comprehension following auditory processing disorder (APD) or prolonged, untreated hearing loss.
A 2015 study found that hearing aids can assist in speech comprehension, but patients who went without treatment for a prolonged period may require additional auditory training to retrain their brains to process speech.[1]
Let’s look at a few types of exercises we use in auditory training.
Speech-in-Noise Training
Understanding speech amidst background noise is one of the biggest struggles for people with hearing loss; all the competing sounds make it tricky to focus on a single voice. During speech-in-noise training, you’ll listen to audio of someone speaking amidst background noise and try to separate the speech. You may also answer questions about what you heard or repeat it back.
Auditory Attention Training
Auditory attention training focuses on improving your ability to retain spoken information. During the exercise, you’ll listen to a series of sentences and answer questions about them to test and improve your comprehension and memory.
Text Following
Text following will improve your active listening skills. One way you can practice the exercise is to listen to an audiobook while following along with a physical book.
Phenome Exercises
Phenome exercises help you distinguish like-sounding words such as “tank” and “thank.” During the exercise, you will listen to two similar-sounding words or sentences and try to identify the different words.
If you have hearing loss, auditory training can close the gap in hearing speech and understanding it—allowing you to get the greatest possible benefit from your devices. The technique is also helpful for people with APD, in which the ears hear but the brain doesn’t process the sound. With consistent training, you can teach your brain to focus on, process and retain the speech you encounter.
Improving your speech comprehension will help you communicate clearly and confidently navigate social situations, from a quiet dinner at home to a noisy night at The Brass Rail. For more information on the technique or to talk to one of our specialists about hearing aids, contact Ear, Nose and Throat Associates today.
[1] Olson A. D. (2015). Options for Auditory Training for Adults with Hearing Loss. Seminars in hearing, 36(4), 284–295. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0035-1564461