Communication Sciences and Disorders Commons^™

Audiological Evaluation Of Persons With Dementia: A Systematic Review, Yehudis Hoch

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Background: Dementia and hearing loss are both prevalent, age-related conditions and recent research has established a correlation between the two. Audiological evaluations of persons with dementia are important due to a likely comorbidity of dementia and hearing loss, the detrimental effect that hearing loss has on cognition and cognitive tests, and because the similar presentation of the two conditions can cause hearing loss to be overlooked. Hearing loss intervention is critical for this population due to the positive effects that amplification has on cognition, social engagement, and listening effort. Despite the importance of hearing assessment and intervention, audiological evaluation of …

Development Of The Hearing Emotion/Activity Restrictions On Teenagers (Heart), Robin G. Axelrod

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

DEVELOPMENT OF THE HEARING EMOTION/ ACTIVITY RESTRICTIONS ON TEENAGERS (HEART)

By: Robin Axelrod

Advisor: Barbara Weinstein

Background:

The Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly is a self-assessment tool used to assess and quantify the impact of hearing loss on emotional and social wellness in the geriatric population. However, there is not an existing version for the teenage population. Hearing loss has the potential to impact social, emotional, and academic domains in the daily lives of teenagers with hearing loss. In this study, a new self-assessment tool called the Hearing Emotion/ Activity Restrictions on Teenagers (HEART) was created and distributed via …

Vestibular Correlates Of Cochlear Implantation, Danielle Lewis

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Previous research has illustrated that vestibular dysfunction is the most prevalent complication of cochlear implant (CI) surgery. There is substantial evidence of both short- and long-term vestibular dysfunction following CI surgery. The objective of this survey was to determine CI recipients’ expectation and satisfaction with their audiologists’ counseling regarding the possible vestibular effects of cochlear implantation. Survey participants included unilateral and bilateral adult CI recipients recruited through the NYC chapter of the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA), audiology-related Facebook groups, and Linked-In. The first 25 participants were offered a $20 Amazon gift card upon completion of the survey. The …

The Effect Of Personal Listening Devices On Subjective Hearing Status, Esther Feldman

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Long term or brief exposure to loud noise can trigger the onset of noise-induced hearing loss which can lead to a temporary (TTS) or permanent (PTS) shift in hearing threshold. Occupational noise, or recreational noise such as music can contribute to shifts in hearing levels. Listening to music in person at a concert or when listening on earphones/earbuds and streaming from a smartphone can produce sound pressure levels (SPL) high enough to lead to PTS, TTS, and associated symptoms. A survey of adults was conducted to gain insight into onset of self-perceived temporary hearing loss and tinnitus after short term …

The Impact Of Sport-Related Concussions On The Vestibular System Utilizing The Vestibular Ocular Motor Screening (Voms) Tool: A Systematic Review For Audiologists, Tina M. Ceriello

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Objective: This systematic review aims to analyze vestibular side effects of sport-related concussions (SRCs) based on differences such as age, gender, and/or sport when using the VOMS tool, and how audiologists may adapt practice for such individuals who have sustained SRCs.

Methods: A comprehensive search identified relevant articles using Google Scholar, ASHAWire, and other databases through the City University of New York (CUNY) Mina Rees Library website. Studies were included if SRCs were evaluated using the complete seven-item VOMS tool and had 25 or more participants. Studies were excluded if concussions were not sport-related, brain injuries were more severe than …

Toilet Training And Teaching Self-Initiations To Children With Autism Who Use Augmentative And Alternative Communication, Darcy A. Douglass

Honors Capstones

Within this project, we address the challenges faced by individuals, particularly those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), during toilet training, which often takes longer than neurotypical children. Practitioners who use traditional methods often overlook teaching children how to request bathroom use, especially among those who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices. Drawing from literature and expert recommendations, we summarize the importance of teaching independence in bathroom use for children with complex communication needs by incorporating their AAC devices when teaching toilet training.

Inspired by Perez et al. (2020), who demonstrated positive responses from individuals with ASD to reinforcement-based procedures, …

Perceptions Of Applied Behavior Analysis Therapy On Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder Via Social Media, Kaitlyn Drilling

Honors Thesis

The use of Applied Behavioral Analysis Therapy (ABA) on children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a controversial topic. Stakeholders have strong opinions, and the use of social media allows them to reach a bigger audience to share their perceptions. Stakeholders such as parents of children with ASD, adults with ASD who have been treated using ABA therapy, and ABA clinicians themselves may post on long-form social media such as Reddit or Facebook to ASD specific forums. These forums provide stakeholders with information, community, and support that they might not have otherwise. The perceptions of ABA on children with ASD …

Investigating Self-Perception Of Speech And Motivation For Return To Intervention For Post Cochlear Implantation In Young Adults, Madison Henry

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Cochlear Implants (CI) are designed to address severe to profound hearing loss. When implantation occurs after language develops, it is referred to as post-lingual (PL) implantation. Currently, no interventions have been identified to address the communication challenges that young adults with PL-CIs may face after they complete post-CI rehabilitation services. This study analyzes if an individualized intervention plan is beneficial for a person with PL-CIs when experiencing changing communication demands in the transition to college or the workforce. Methodology: Baseline assessments were conducted; the results of which allowed for the establishment of four co-constructed goals. These goals were targeted …

The Role Of The Speech-Language Pathologist With Survivors Of Traumatic Brain Injury From Intimate Partner Violence And Providers’ Knowledge Of This Role, Nicolle Mcadams

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Intimate partner violence occurs globally at alarming rates. Many experience adverse health impacts such as traumatic brain injury. Healthcare providers do not know the role of the speech-language pathologist, or the rehabilitation needs of survivors.

Aims: This scoping review aims to identify speech-language pathology services for survivors of intimate partner violence with a resulting traumatic brain injury, and knowledge of healthcare providers on the rehabilitation needs of this population. A search was completed in May to October 2023, resulting in a total of 13 articles reviewed.

Main contributions: Speech-language pathologists lack knowledge to provide services to intimate partner violence survivors …

Exploring Available Information On The Gut-Brain Axis And Alzheimer’S Disease For Clinicians Making Dietary Recommendations: A Scoping Review, Megan Gibson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Abstract: Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a complex neurodegenerative disease that requires interprofessional collaboration. Pharmacological options are currently ineffective, increasing the need for preventative strategies to combat the rise of AD. Considerations of gut-targeted interventions have increased as a key component in the prevention of AD, based on the understanding that the state of the gut microbiome can impact cognitive function through the pathway known as the gut-brain axis.

Methods: This scoping review explored information on the gut-brain axis in persons with AD. A comprehensive search was conducted in November 2023. Forty reviews and 13 human studies were analyzed.

Results: There …

Healthcare Provider’S Perceptions On Feeding Difficulties And Educational Practices In Infants With Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (Nows), Katelyn White

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examined healthcare professionals’ perceptions on feeding difficulties experienced by infants with NOWS, the involvement of SLP in care, knowledge and experience levels of professionals, and trends in education and follow up care. A 34-question survey was developed to obtain data from participants involved in the care of exposed infants using the secure webbased RedCap™ platform. Nonparametric inferential statistics and descriptive analysis were used to interpret data. Feeding difficulties in infants exposed were reported by all respondents with SLP involvement reported by 42.2%. Results found that 51.9% of respondents were confident in their ability to educate families about feeding …

Parkinson's Disease And Voice Perception: A Little Bit Louder Now!, Samantha Manes, Taylor Desimone

Graduate Student Research: Capstone Competition

This proposed study aims to address gaps in research literature on Parkinson’s disease by investigating the neural mechanisms involved in PD patients' perception of volume using electroencephalography (EEG). By examining brain activity during voice perception tasks, the research seeks to uncover specific areas within the brain that may contribute to the lack of awareness of speaking softly. Insights gained from this study could inform the development of targeted interventions to improve communication and overall quality of life for PD patients. Ultimately, the research aims to provide a louder voice to those affected by Parkinson's disease, enhancing their ability to engage …

Pediatric Ototoxic Monitoring, Destiny Victoria Padilla

Capstones & Scholarly Projects

The prevalence of children living with cancer is estimated to be 129,221 in the United States (National Cancer Institute, 2022). The chemotherapy treatment that these children receive can cause ototoxicity, especially when platinum-based chemotherapy agents are used. Ototoxic monitoring is beneficial for patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment as it allows for treatment modification, dosage modification, early intervention, or auditory rehabilitation to take place based on the patient’s hearing status. This is especially important due to the effect hearing loss may have on children’s development and quality of life. There are several objective and behavioral auditory tests that can be used to …

Evaluating Auditory Processing In Adolescents And Adults Following A Sports-Related Concussion, Kelsey Danielle Kiesz

Capstones & Scholarly Projects

Sports-related concussions (SRCs) have gained increasing attention in recent years due to the long-lasting effects. While concussions have been extensively studied, the impact on auditory processing in adolescents and adults remains an under-evaluated area within audiology. This gap in research is noteworthy as audiologists are well-positioned to conduct auditory processing disorder (APD) testing, and post-concussion auditory deficits fall within the scope of their practice. This study addresses the lack of consensus on concussion definitions, limited accurate prevalence data, and the absence of guidelines for assessing auditory processing in post-concussion individuals in the audiology field. The research aims to provide a …

Ototoxicity Monitoring Protocols For Common Chemotherapeutics, Megan Pamela Kennedy

Capstones & Scholarly Projects

Cancer is a major public health concern and is increasingly prevalent worldwide. Sung et al. (2021) states that there were 19.3 million new cases of cancer across the globe, and almost 10 million deaths related to cancer in 2021. Sung et al. (2021) also notes that the United States accounts for 8% of all global cases, with an average of 1.7 million new cases annually. The top five most common adult cancers in the United States include: (1) breast, (2) prostate, (3) lung and bronchus, (4) colorectal, and (5) invasive melanoma of the skin. These cancers can be treated with …

Utilizing Special Interests: Developing A Storybook For A Minimally Speaking Autistic Child To Support Communication, Olivia Fordyce

Honors Projects

The purpose of my Honors Project is to develop a framework for designing a storybook that can be used as a communication tool with minimally speaking autistic children. The project answers two clinically relevant questions within the field of Speech-Language Pathology.

1. What do we know from prior literature about the use of storybooks to support communication in minimally speaking autistic children?
2. What factors are important to consider in designing a storybook for minimally speaking autistic children?

I conducted a literature review exploring adapted storybooks and autistic children’s special interests to answer the project questions. Informed by this knowledge, I have …

Using A Core Vocabulary Intervention For Language Delayed Kindergarten Students Using Augmentative & Alternative Communication (Aac), Angela M. Riccelli, Ravi Nigam

Research Days

The purpose of this study was to measure the impact of core vocabulary selection and the subsequent usage of a prescribed core vocabulary intervention over a period of one trimester and to report its impact on the overall communicative effectiveness of language-delayed kindergarten students using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Study participants were provided with a pretest, speech and language therapy sessions in which intervention took place, and a posttest, which was administered by a speech–language pathologist. Intervention implementation commenced at the beginning of the school year and extended through the end of the trimester. Data were examined at weekly …

Case Reports Of Two Patients With Sudden Hearing Loss: Idiopathic And Traumatic Brain Injury (Tbi), Lucas D. Lamont

AuD Capstone Projects - Communication Sciences and Disorders

Abstract 1

Introduction: Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL), commonly known as sudden deafness, is an unexplained, rapid loss of hearing either all at once or over a few days. Regardless of the cause, delayed medical attention for patients with SSNHL can lead to permanent outcomes.

Case presentation: A 56-year-old female presented with reduced hearing sensitivity in her right ear beginning the day of the appointment.

Discussion: Many factors influence a patient’s probability of a complete recovery from SSNHL. Understanding these factors can aide in counseling a patient with realistic expectations.

Conclusion: Patients with SSNHL require immediate medical attention. Prompt medical …

Why Is Speech Language Pathology Considered A Gendered Profession Amongst Male College Students In Health Related Majors?, Karli King, Audrey Mcdonald, Caroline Casey, Adrienne Stewart, Catherine L. Cotton

Undergraduate Research Conference

A gender disparity exists in the field of speech-language pathology, and it is recognized in the American Speech and Hearing Association’s demographic report. In Mississippi, 98.4% of SLPs are female and 1.6% are male (ASHA, 2022). Given the numbers presented by ASHA, awareness of speech-language pathology amongst male college students comes into question. According to ASHA’s Strategic Pathway to Excellence, objective #6 is to increase diversity/equity/inclusion within the Association and the discipline (ASHA, 2023). A goal of this research study is to identify the barriers and awareness level of males in health-related undergraduate majors. This information would better facilitate how …

Disparities In Speech-Language Pathology As A Result Of Race, Lindsie Moseley, Catherine Cotton

Undergraduate Research Conference

For all children to receive fair and proper speech-language services, it is vital to grasp a better understanding of how disparities in these services might impact clients. It is vital to identify the role race plays so clients of various racial backgrounds can be provided with equitable treatment, regardless of their racial identity (Robinson & Norton, 2019). Research has revealed noticeable discrepancies between racial groups including the quality, time frame of discharge, and overall results of treatment, among children of minority- or majority-racial groups (Riccardi & Lundine, 2022). If speech language pathologists remain unaware of these discrepancies, they will be …