The Audiologist

Issue title: Traumatic Brain Injury

Subtitle: An Essential Member of the Rehabilitation Team for Traumatic Brain Injury

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Wenzinger, Karen S. | Nemec, Shelley A. | DePompei, Roberta^{; *} | Flexer, Carol

Affiliations: The University of Akron, Akron, OH

Correspondence: [*] Address correspondence to Roberta DePompei.

Abstract: When professionals treat a patient who has sustained traumatic brain injury (TBI), they should always be concerned about the patient’s hearing competency. Without adequate hearing, communication is compromised. The audiologist can provide expertise in assessing the hearing of persons who have sustained TBI and suggesting methods for enhancing listening skills. This article presents an overview of the audiological tests that can be administered, outlines modifications in the test procedures that might be necessary for the attention level of the patient, and provides suggestions for enhancing listening skills for the patient with even a mild hearing impairment. It presents justification for including the audiologist on the rehabilitation team for patients with TBI.

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-1991-1305

Journal: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 1, no. 3, pp. 41-51, 1991