Group Aural Rehabilitation: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to synthesize published literature on group aural rehabilitation (AR) for older adults with hearing loss and update the research guidance since Hawkins (2005). Method: The scoping review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Scoping Review extension and included five databases. Articles were selected for evaluation if they had been published since 2005, were primary research about group AR for older adults, and were in the English language. Evaluation criteria and data extraction were based on the study design, participant demographics, intervention, and outcome. Results: Three randomized controlled trials (Hickson et al., 2007; Preminger & Yoo, 2010; Preminger & Ziegler, 2008) met all criteria and were selected for further review. Common exclusion reasons included small sample sizes and study designs that were low on the hierarchy of evidence. Conclusion: A few published articles for group AR indicate effectiveness, but the area is in need of additional research that includes high-quality study designs, including consideration of effect sizes, reporting of participant demographics, variables specific to the intervention, and outcomes. Supplemental Material: https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.27122271