What do changes in goals during an AR program reflect?

Changes in goals during an aural rehabilitation (AR) program reflect the emergence of new needs that arise as the individual progresses through the rehabilitation process. As clients experience different aspects of their hearing loss and engage with new technology, social situations, or therapy interventions, their desires and requirements can evolve.

For instance, a client may initially focus on improving their ability to understand speech in quiet environments but later may express struggles in noisy settings or seek to improve communication strategies within family dynamics. This indicates that their needs have developed beyond the original scope of the AR program, necessitating adjustments to their goals. A flexible approach to goal-setting is fundamental in ensuring that the AR program remains individual-centered and effectively addresses the changing challenges faced by the client.

Thus, recognizing the emergence of new needs is crucial to tailoring interventions that foster continued improvement and satisfaction with the rehabilitation process.