The Evidence Is In. Now It’s Time to Act.

Elevating patient outcomes and practice success with aural rehabilitation and auditory training

Nearly 100% of hearing care professionals believe that auditory training is an essential part of their scope of practice, and more than 80% of them are interested in offering it to patients, yet studies show that fewer than one-third of them have made it a routine part of patient care (Makhoba & Joseph, 2016) and more recent survey data of practice patterns echo this finding (Taylor and Liebe, 2024). 

Now is the time to change this. Here are four reasons why all providers must shift from believing in auditory training to actually integrating it into routine care. 

1. Scientific consensus

First, there is a hierarchy of evidence from randomized controlled trials demonstrating the neuroplastic and functional effects of auditory training on the auditory system. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) shows structural changes to the cortex following 4 weeks of Lace-like training (e.g., Kawata, et al 2022). Studies using the frequency following response (FFR) show physiological changes to the brainstem, while post-training scores on the QuickSIN indicate functional improvements in outcomes following 4 weeks of Lace Pro training (e.g., Song et al 2011). 

Second, over the past twenty years, there have been several systematic reviews and meta-analyses that examined the effectiveness of auditory training (Lawrence, et al 2018; Stropahl et al 2020). Results demonstrate large and significant effects for improvement in trained tasks and medium to large effects (Cohen’s d) for generalization of training to speech perception in noise. See Lerigo-Smith et al (2026) for the latest published systematic review. 

2. Technology enhances enjoyment and participation

Unlike previous versions, Lace Pro is engaging and fun. Through a self-guided, gamified app experience, it empowers patients to “take charge” of their treatment plan and outcomes. It eliminates the need for boring classes by letting patients sharpen their listening skills anytime, anywhere. Lace users can dive into engaging, bite-sized listening exercises at their convenience. We know, for example, that the top Neurotone partners have an engagement rate of more than 60%, more than double what is found in physical therapy. Additionally, instant metrics, milestone rewards, customization of voices and content, plus interactive feedback, turn training into a habit. 

3. New revenue stream for your practice

There are two different ways Lace creates a new revenue stream for a practice. The first is to include Lace with each new set of hearing aids. For a nominal upcharge to a practice’s treatment plan package, a patient gets lifetime use of Lace. 

Practices can also offer it as a standalone service for experienced hearing aid wearers or individuals who are not ready to wear hearing aids but want to enhance their listening skills. Lace as part of a standalone service offering for unlimited use. 

In both models, Lace gives practices a simple way to add measurable clinical value while generating revenue from the patients they already serve. Practices that adopt Lace see an average monthly increase in revenue of between $6,000 and $18,000.

4. Expanded clinical engagement opportunities

The American Academy of Audiology (2021) suggests that patient retention and overall satisfaction can be impacted not only by clinical care but also by the overall experience and repeated interactions across the care journey. By using the Automated Patient Messaging feature, Lace seamlessly adds additional patient touch points without filling your calendar with extra work. Lace’s Provider Prescribed Program is a feature that allows providers to fully customize training programs for the individual patient. 

The evidence is clear: Hearing care professionals have a significant opportunity to improve patient outcomes by routinely recommending auditory training to all patients. With the advent of Lace Pro, providers can offer a solution backed by scientific consensus that demonstrates real neuroplastic and functional brain changes. Lace’s enhanced technology transforms a once-tedious process into an enjoyable, gamified experience that increases patient participation. 

Beyond clinical benefits, Lace Pro establishes new revenue streams through bundled or standalone services and offers expanded clinical engagement opportunities via customizable programs and a dedicated provider portal. Adopting Lace Pro is not just a clinical upgrade; it is a strategic move to help patients hear and listen their best while your practice thrives.

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References

Lerigo-Smith N, Broome E, Heinrich A, et al. (2026). Auditory training for adults with hearing loss: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One (in press); Webinar. 

Kawata, N. Y. S., Nouchi, R., Oba, K., Matsuzaki, Y., & Kawashima, R. (2022). Auditory Cognitive Training Improves Brain Plasticity in Healthy Older Adults: Evidence From a Randomized Controlled Trial. Frontiers in aging neuroscience, 14, 826672. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2022.826672

Lawrence BJ, Jayakody DMP, Henshaw H, et al. (2018) Auditory and cognitive training for cognition in adults with hearing loss: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Trends in Hearing, 22; 2331216518792096.

Makhoba, M., & Joseph, N. (2016). Practices and views of audiologists regarding aural rehabilitation services for adults with acquired hearing loss. The South African Journal of Communication Disorders, 63(1), e1–e10. 

Song, J. H., Skoe, E., Banai, K., & Kraus, N. (2012). Training to improve hearing speech in noise: biological mechanisms. Cerebral Cortex (New York, N.Y. : 1991), 22(5), 1180–1190. 

Stropahl M, Besser J, Launer S. (2020) Auditory training supports auditory rehabilitation: a state-of-the-art review. Ear & Hearing, 41(04):697–704 9. 

Taylor, B & Liebe, K. (2024). Practice Pattern Survey: What is Popular Practice in 2024 and How Does it Compare to Current Standards? Audiology Practices, 16, 1, 8-27.