What is Listening And Communication Enhancement

LACE is an acronym for Listening And Communication Enhancement. Conceived by leading audiologists at the University of California at San Francisco, LACE is an interactive computerized aural rehabilitation program that has already helped thousands of people who live with some degree of hearing loss increase their listening skills by up to 40%.

Just as physical therapy can help rebuild muscles and adjust movements to compensate for physical weakness or injury, LACE can develop skills and strategies that can help compensate for those situations when hearing is inadequate, especially in background noise and understanding rapid speech. LACE has also been proven to help hearing-aid users become more comfortable hearing the new sounds their hearing instruments bring.

Is LACE a replacement for a hearing aid?

No. LACE training is designed to help develop your listening skills. Hearing is one thing, listening is another. We don't really hear in our ears; we hear in our brain. Hearing aids can help a person detect softer sounds, but they don't necessarily provide good listening skills. Even people with normal hearing can be poor listeners. Good listening skills are one of the essential components in effective communication.

Other components include rapid thought processing, auditory memory, use of language skills, and interactive strategies. Additionally, the confidence that what you thought you heard was what was actually spoken is vital. These abilities can be damaged both by hearing loss and by the natural aging process. LACE is designed to enhance the ability to communicate by training the brain to best utilize these skills in difficult listening situations.

Do I need a hearing aid to benefit from LACE?

Hearing aid wearers definitely benefit from LACE training, but it is not required to have a hearing aid to use LACE. Anyone who has difficulty with hearing, listening, or communicating can benefit from LACE Training. However, if you do wear a hearing aid you should wear it during your training.

What do I need to use LACE?

All you need is a PC (Windows or Mac) with speakers and Internet access.

What if I don’t have a PC?

No Problem. LACE includes a DVD version that operates on most consumer DVD players. You navigate LACE using the arrows on the remote control, it’s very simple. DVD players are now commonly available at retail outlets starting under $20.

Is LACE easy to use?

LACE is extremely easy. There is no typing involved. You simply listen to the exercises, follow the on-screen instructions and click the mouse YES or NO to respond. If you have any questions there is a toll-free support line at 800-409-LACE (5223).

How long is the LACE training?

LACE consists of 20 half-hour sessions you can do from the comfort of home. Most patients complete the training in just a few weeks. Although you are training at home, we will be able to monitor your progress via the Internet and counsel you on how you are doing.

Can I go back and re-train using LACE at some point in the future?

Yes. LACE includes Extended Training Options beyond the 20 regular sessions that allow you to refresh your listening skills when you feel it is needed.

I would like to purchase LACE. How much is it and where can I get it?

LACE is regularly $149 and it is available here in our clinic on sale for $110.00 plus tax.