Overview of Nine Computerized, Home-Based Auditory-Training Programs for Adult Cochlear Implant Recipients

 

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Background: Computerized, home-based auditory-training programs could be attractive to cochlear implant (CI) recipients who cannot obtain direct intensive training services and also to busy clinicians who would like to enable CI recipients to benefit from these programs. However, it is difficult for either group to know which of the many programs available might best suit individual needs.

Purpose: Selecting a computerized home-based program can be challenging because each offers different features. This article provides an overview of currently available programs to help clinicians and recipients choose one that is most suitable.

Data Collection and Analysis: A narrative literature review and an advanced Google search of Web sites linked to auditory-training programs were conducted. This overview builds on and updates information from previous literature.

Results: Nine computerized, home-based auditory-training programs were identified for overview. Twenty-nine information items and features for each of the nine programs are presented, categorized by general product and purchase information, design features of the training paradigm, and auditory and communication targets.

Conclusions: This article provides a descriptive overview of computerized, home-based auditory-training programs for the use of clinicians, CI recipients, researchers, and hearing aid users.