Translating Auditory Training Evidence into Practice: Are We Nearly There Yet?

The last issue of Seminars in Hearing dedicated to auditory training (2015, issue no. 4), considered training-related peripheral, central auditory, and cognitive processes for adults and children with and without hearing loss or central auditory processing disorders. It provided a framework to design more rigorous trials, encouraging future research that examines benefits beyond auditory function itself, to include outcomes such as cognitive improvement and improved real-world listening.

In the preface to that issue, Preminger[1] highlighted two systematic reviews examining auditory training for hearing loss.[2] [3] The invited articles within the 2015 issue were reported to address several key limitations identified within those reviews. One central theme of the issue was that auditory training was not currently provided as standard within audiology clinical practice. Contributing factors were speculated to include limited time and reimbursement within hearing services, and a lack of compelling evidence of effectiveness.[4]

Now, a decade later, it is timely to ask these questions. Has the field risen to the challenges posed in 2015? Have we developed a stronger evidence base, expanded clinical adoption, or advanced our understanding of the broader benefits of auditory training?

This issue of Seminars in Hearing turns its focus to the topic of auditory training for hearing loss across the lifespan in order to consider these questions.

Publikationsverlauf

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
30. September 2025

• References

• 1 Preminger JE. Auditory training: consideration of peripheral, central-auditory, and cognitive processes. Semin Hear 2015; 36 (04) 197-198
• 2 Sweetow R, Palmer CV. Efficacy of individual auditory training in adults: a systematic review of the evidence. J Am Acad Audiol 2005; 16 (07) 494-504
• 3 Henshaw H, Ferguson MA. Efficacy of individual computer-based auditory training for people with hearing loss: a systematic review of the evidence. PLoS One 2013; 8 (05) e62836
• 4 Olson AD. Options for auditory training for adults with hearing loss. Semin Hear 2015; 36 (04) 284-295
• 5 World Health Organization. Highlighting Priorities for Ear and Hearing Care—World Report on Hearing. World Health Organization; 2021
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