What is a primary role for SLPs when managing patients with sensorineural hearing loss?

The primary role for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) when managing patients with sensorineural hearing loss is to provide training in speech reading, also known as lip reading. This approach helps individuals who have difficulty hearing to visually interpret speech by understanding the movements of the lips and facial expressions, which can enhance communication. SLPs are adept at creating strategies to improve the patient's ability to comprehend spoken language in conjunction with their residual hearing abilities.

While options such as prescribing hearing aids and performing auditory evaluations are essential aspects of managing hearing loss, these responsibilities typically fall under the purview of audiologists or medical professionals. Similarly, auditory integration training is a more specialized intervention that may not be widely recognized or supported in clinical practice for sensorineural hearing loss. SLPs focus on communication strategies and maximizing functional communication for individuals with hearing losses, aligning with their training and expertise in language and speech development. Thus, training in speech reading is a key strategy SLPs employ to assist clients in enhancing their communication abilities.