Providing Audiological Services to Individuals With Aphasia: Considerations, Preliminary Recommendations, and a Call for Research

Purpose: The populations most susceptible to hearing loss and to aphasia overlap substantially, creating a high likelihood that audiologists will be called on to assess and treat individuals with aphasia. There is, however, scarce research available to guide best practices for serving this population. Method: The available relevant literature is reviewed to summarize what is already known, providing basic information about aphasia and its potential impact on audiological diagnostic and intervention processes. Conclusion: Suggestions for managing aphasia in the clinical audiology setting are provided, and areas of needed research are identified so that services for individuals with aphasia can be optimized.