Ample research exists that discusses the use of auditory rehabilitation with individuals who utilize hearing aids; however, there is little qualitative evidence to support its use with individuals who utilize cochlear implants. This study utilized a qualitative methodology to examine the phenomenon recipients of cochlear implants and their spouses…

People with hearing loss (HL) often express a desire for the particular hearing device that will yield the best speech recognition. The problem with fulfilling that desire is that a vast number of hearing devices are available from which to choose. In recent years, medical device regulatory agencies have generally viewed hearing devices (i.e.,…

Several factors undoubtedly influenced the development of listening and spoken language options for children with hearing loss in Canada. The concept of providing auditory-based rehabilitation was popularized in Canada in the 1960s through the work of Drs. Daniel Ling and Agnes Ling in Montreal. The Lings founded the McGill University Project for…

The objective of this study is to analyze parental perspectives concerning the use of (re)habilitation services after Universal Newborn Hearing Screening (UNHS). A qualitative study design was used involving children with moderate-to-profound hearing loss who were born between 1999 and 2001 and who are registered in the UNHS program in Flanders,…

The article discusses research and development affecting the hearing impaired and deaf in the areas of line quality, hearing aid technology, diagnostic and rehabilitative procedures for using telephones with hearing aids, and keyboard telecommunication devices for the profoundly deaf. Potential future developments are also explored. (Author)

In recent years, parents of children with hearing loss and various additional disabilities have shown increasing interest in cochlear implants. This article describes how the program in Hanover, Germany is attempting to respond to this interest. It discusses the selection process for children who receive cochlear implants who have multiple…

A professional with hearing impairments recounts his experiences with educational and rehabilitative services and addresses topics raised in this special focus issue. These include the value of interdisciplinary approaches to rehabilitation, the importance of self-help, implementation of professional standards and legislative mandates, student…

An instrument for measuring and tracking changes in auditory skill development over time was developed for use with a group of children with profound deafness who received a MED-EL COMBI 40+ cochlear implant. The aim of this paper is to describe the use of this instrument, the "Checklist of Auditory Communication Skills", and to present results…

Survey results on knowledge and exposure to hearing loss for West Virginia classroom teachers (N=98), special educators (N=77), physicians (N=62), and rehabilitation counselors (N=66) revealed that only 58.4 percent had academic exposure. The average correct response rate was 73.8 percent for all four groups. (CB)

The author provides suggestions for audiologic assessment and aural rehabilitation of mentally retarded hearing impaired children. A practical screening procedure is described, and specific aspects of auditory training are considered. (SBH)

The Aural Habilitation Program of Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (Canada) provides weekly, individualized aural habilitation sessions for parents of young children with hearing impairments and offers guidance in creating a listening, learning environment in the home. Strategies for developing parents' skills and confidence are described.…

The article summarizes information on assistive devices (hearing aids, cochlear implants, tactile aids, visual aids) and rehabilitation procedures (auditory training, speechreading, cued speech, and speech production) to aid the auditory learning of the hearing impaired.(DB)

To facilitate evaluations of cochlear implant candidates and to promote (re)habilitation efficacy and collaboration with families, this study examined the expectations of 35 mothers with typical hearing and their beliefs and difficulties related to their child's hearing loss and current or future cochlear implantation. Questionnaires measured…

A case study is presented of a girl with a hearing impairment for whom extensive, corroborative hearing testing delayed the start of intervention. This contributed to speech, language, listening, and behavioral problems and prolonged her parents' denial of the hearing loss. Remediation began after starting aural habilitation based on limited,…

Early amplification is crucial to efficient habilitation and development of oral communication skills in hearing-impaired infants. Initial evaluation and fitting of amplification is a joint effort by the audiologist, therapist, and parents, whether the child uses traditional hearing aids or cochlear implants, and should be supplemented by a…