Adult Auditory Training is it Part of Aural Rehabilitation? Focused Group Discussion

Abstract

Aim: To conduct focused group discussion on audiologist and hearing aid users to find out the necessity of auditory training in adults and geriatrics. Materials and Methods: A qualitative focused group discussion was conducted on 30 audiologist and 10 hearing aid users to gather the information on auditory rehabilitation in adults and geriatrics. Eight different questions were proposed for the discussion on aural rehabilitation in these population. Discussion was recorded and analyzed for the outcome of the study. Results: The participants of the group collectively agreed that just fitting of hearing aids on adults was insufficient and that they require further auditory training to facilitate their communication skills. There was a consensus of the group on the need to develop an auditory rehabilitation program that catered to the variations of culture, language, and dialects of the same in Indian population. Conclusion: Focused group discussion revealed that adults and geriatrics should undergo auditory training after fitting hearing aid.