Perspective on Remote Speech Language Hearing Rehabilitation for Patients with Post-stroke Aphasia

Post-stroke aphasia is one of great complications among higher brain dysfunction that hampers patients' daily living or return to work. Recovery from aphasia is known to be longer term compared to other symptoms including motor dysfunction; continuous speech language hearing therapy is important even in the chronic phase. We reviewed English and Japanese literature regarding remote speech language hearing rehabilitation that could master the challenges due to physical barriers. In Western countries, not a few case-control studies or randomized controlled studies in this field have been conducted. In Japan, such studies are scarce but new attempts are gradually made in now, including new development of devices or applications for remote speech language hearing rehabilitation. Although a lot of challenges still exist such as insufficient manpower or medical treatment fees, it is expected that the usefulness of the therapy will be validated and provided to more aphasic patients in our country.