Understanding speech clearly (particularly in the presence of background noise), involves more than simply hearing better. While hearing aids position an individual to hear sounds in the environment more clearly and distinctly, interpreting what is being heard requires a different level of perceptive ability. Because we really hear in the brain, we are able to improve the brain's ability to process what is heard through auditory training.
Auditory training is essentially teaching the brain to listen. Neurologists suggest that brain function improves with exercises that increasingly adapt to an individual's improved performance. The exercises must target the particular area of brain function you are hoping to improve. For more information on this, read this helpful article by Sandra Vandenhoff, clinical audiologist.
Multiple programs provide auditory training. At Appalachian Audiology, we use LACE training (Listening and Communication Enhancement). LACE has been shown to improve speech comprehension in difficult listening environments by 40%. For more information on LACE, click here.
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