Auditory Comprehension Interventions for People With Aphasia: A Scoping Review
Sarah E Wallace1, Janet Patterson2, Mary Purdy3
1Department of Communication Science and Disorders, University of Pittsburgh, PA.
American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology
|October 17, 2022
Summary
Restorative treatments show promise for improving auditory comprehension in people with aphasia. However, varied methods and outcomes prevent specific clinical recommendations, highlighting needs for transparent, patient-centered approaches.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Speech and Language Pathology
Background:
- Aphasia, a communication disorder post-stroke, often impairs auditory comprehension.
- Restorative treatments aim to improve these deficits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a scoping review of studies on restorative treatments for auditory comprehension in aphasia.
- To identify treatment approaches, methodologies, and outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Searched eight databases for studies from 1970-2020 using keywords: aphasia, auditory comprehension, treatment, intervention, rehabilitation.
- Screened 170 records, analyzed 28 articles for study design, participant characteristics, treatment protocols, and outcomes.
- Categorized treatments into direct auditory, mixed auditory, and indirect.
Main Results:
- 28 studies were reviewed, with varied designs (group, single-subject, case study) and treatment focuses.
- Improvements in auditory comprehension were frequently reported, but statistical significance was often lacking.
- Participant characteristics and treatment details were inconsistently reported, limiting comparability.
Conclusions:
- Diverse treatments exist for auditory comprehension deficits in aphasia, with some success.
- Variability in methods and outcomes hinders definitive clinical recommendations.
- Identified gaps can inform future development of transparent, repeatable, patient-centered treatments.
