What Makes Effective Self-Directed Auditory Training?

Abstract

Auditory training resources and techniques have been developed for adult cochlear implant (CI) users. However, it is unclear which aural rehabilitation programs are most effective. A literature review was conducted to investigate the characteristics of an effective self-directed auditory training program. The questions addressed by this literature review were: 1.) What evidence supports the effectiveness of the program? 2.) What are the gaps in our knowledge concerning self-directed auditory training programs for adult CI-users? and 3.) What recommendations can be made about self-directed auditory training programs? The results of the review revealed five self-directed auditory training programs. Auditory training was found to increase speech perception abilities and quality of life for adult cochlear implant users. Additionally, retention of improvements after auditory training were shown to remain after the duration of training. The effects of auditory training are also seen in measures derived from neuro-imaging and auditory evoked potentials that are attributed to brain plasticity. The evidence of the efficacy of self-directed auditory training for adult cochlear implant users published and assessed in this literature review is weak because only 7 of the 22 publications in this literature review were randomized controlled trials, explicitly 4 of which were investigating cochlear implant users. To overcome this lack of evidence, a self-directed auditory training effectiveness study has been proposed that could be carried out at the University of Arizona Hearing Clinic. Keywords: cochlear implant, adults, aural rehabilitation, auditory training, literature review