IMPLEMENTATION OF AUGMENTATIVE AND ALTERNATIVE COMMUNICATION (AAC) RESOURCES TO ENHANCE DAILY WORK IN PEDIATRIC AUDIOLOGY

Abstract

The current challenges in daily clinical practice often demonstrate that highlight the inadequacy of traditional conventional hearing audiologic tests, as described in the literature, may not be sufficient as described in the literature, even in well-equipped environments with trained professionals. This is especially true for as in the case of patients with neurodevelopmental disabilities that affect communication and sensory functions. Such patients are often, who are frequently referred for sedated electrophysiological studies without consideration of alternative methods, or adapted care approaches. This paper proposes using the use of visual resources derived from augmentative and alternative communication (ACC) (CAA - from Spanish comunicación aumentativa alternativa) as a means of assisting to address this disadvantaged group vulnerable population. The goal is to enhance accessibility to precise audiological diagnosis through a cost-effective method designed tailored specifically for pediatric audiology.  Augmentative and alternative audiological communication (A-AAC) (CAA-A, from spanish comunicación aumentativa alternativa audiológica) materials, were used, such as including visual schedules, pictograms, videos, and QR codes, were employed applied throughout the evaluation process across different tests. These resources enabled the implementation of a more controlled and efficient approach, thereby ensuring reliable and safe responses while minimizing procedural errors and reducing diagnostic delays time.

This study not only demonstrates how AAC CAA can improve diagnostic accuracy in vulnerable pediatric populations with complex needs. Additionally, it also highlights the importance of integrated efforts between different areas of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.