Auditory Rehabilitation Services

The Auditory Rehabilitation Center at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary serves individuals with hearing loss from infancy through adulthood. We have access to state-of-the-art technologies for the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of hearing loss. The rehabilitative team, consisting of professionals from the specialties of audiology, speech-language pathology, and otolaryngology, assists patients and their families in adjusting to hearing loss, in maximizing the benefit from hearing aids, cochlear implants, and other assistive devices, and in helping them optimize communication skills.

Hearing loss can be identified at any age. In Massachusetts, legislation mandates hearing screening for all newborns. In some states, only newborns considered at 'high risk' for hearing loss automatically receive hearing screeings. This screening is vitally important in the early identification of hearing losses that can interfere with speech and language development.

For parents of newly diagnosed children of any age, our program provides support and education to help them understand their child's hearing loss and to make informed decisions. We provide an auditory-oral approach to communication that focuses on listening, speech and language for children of all ages.

Adult hearing aid and cochlear implant users come to the center to refresh their skills or to help them adjust to a newly acquired device. For all our patients, we work closely with family physicians, educators and others to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care.

Programs for Children

Newly Diagnosed Children - Services

Provide counseling, guidance and support to help parents adjust to the diagnosis of hearing loss in order to make informed decisions regarding their child's future.

Educate parents about auditory, speech and language development and about how these aspects of development are affected by hearing loss.

Assist parents in understanding auditory, speech and language skills of their child and provide appropriate recommendations.

Treatment for Children Under Age 3 - Services

Provide individual therapy tailored to the needs of each individual child.

Perform evaluations of the child's skill level to establish goals for auditory, speech and language skills.

Teach parents strategies for facilitating auditory, speech and language stimulation in their home.

Involve parents in each session.

Develop plans with parents for evaluation of progress.

Provide ongoing education and support for parents.

Collaborate with early identification personnel to optimize services.

Treatment for Children Over Age 3 - Services

Provide individual therapy focusing on speech, language and audition and incorporating goals from the classroom during the school year and summer months.

Collaborate with parents and school personnel on identifying available resources for a child.

Pediatric Amplification Loaner Program

In conjunction with the Auditory Rehabilitation Center, we have established the Pediatric Amplification Loaner (P.A.L.) Program for children who are hearing aid users. The P.A.L. Program enables the audiologist to exchange or upgrade a child's hearing aids in order to maintain the most appropriate fit for the child's specific communication needs.

We also have a parent group. Parents can gather information from professionals and other parents about a variety of issues that arise when raising a child with hearing loss.

Programs for Adults - Services

Perform evaluations and develop individual treatment plans.

Provide auditory training and speech therapy.

Provide ongoing education regarding hearing loss, issues related to hearing loss and strategies to assist with communication.

Support

The Auditory Rehabilitation Center at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary is supported by the Helen Patten Auditory Rehabilitation fund, which was established by Dr. and Mrs. Seamans.

To learn more, see the Contact 2002 article.

See also: Newsletter of the Department of Audiology, Auditory Rehabilitation Center (Note, these are pdf documents. They need to be downloaded first to be able to read it. Right click on mouse and choose 'save target as' then open it from your desktop.)

This work continues to be supported by the philanthropy of those who desire to help children and adults with hearing loss. Find out how you can help support our mission of improving hearing health care. Learn more about ways to give.

content updated: 2/06/06