Speech-Language Pathologists' Use of Hearing Screening for Clients With Aphasia: Challenges, Potential Solutions, and Future Directions

Abstract

Purpose The co-occurrence of aphasia and hearing loss can lead to compounded receptive communication impairment that is significantly worse than in either disorder alone. Therefore, identifying potential hearing loss is a critical part of communication assessment for clients with neurogenic communication disorders, many of whom have aphasia. This clinical focus article explores speech language pathologists' (SLPs') hearing-screening practices with this population, identifies patterns of concern, and presents potential solutions and future research needs. Method SLPs completed an online survey. Data were obtained from 102 SLPs who work with adults with aphasia. Results Most respondents indicated that they do some form of hearing screening, although few do them in a reliable, valid manner. Awareness of American Speech-Language-Hearing Association hearing-screening guidelines was low. The most common reasons given for not conducting screenings included cost and lack of proper equipment and time. Conclusions SLPs are an important resource for identifying potential hearing loss in individuals with aphasia. These data suggest that hearing screenings are being conducted only inconsistently with this population, often using nonstandardized methods. The results demonstrate a need to develop hearing-screening tools that are affordable, easily accessible, and validated for aphasia, and to raise awareness of currently available hearing-screening protocols and tools.