Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Hearing Loss And Cognitive Decline In The Aging Population: Emerging Perspectives In Audiology, Naveen K. Nagaraj

Communicative Disorders and Deaf Education Faculty Publications

In this perspective article, the author explores the connections between hearing loss, central auditory processing, and cognitive decline, offering insights into the complex dynamics at play. Drawing upon a range of studies, the relationship between age-related central auditory processing disorders and Alzheimer’s disease is discussed, with the aim of enhancing our understanding of these interconnected conditions. Highlighting the evolving significance of audiologists in the dual management of cognitive health and hearing impairments, the author focuses on their role in identifying early signs of cognitive impairment and evaluates various cognitive screening tools used in this context. The discussion extends to adaptations …

Using The Motivated Information Management Theory And The Social Support Theory To Understand Caregiver Perspectives Of Currently Available Health Communication Regarding Dementia: A Qualitative Study, Sara J. Alig

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Dementia brings a cascade of changes into the life of not only the person facing it, but also the lives of the supporting family and caregivers. Dementia manifests with a gradual decline, or in some cases, a variably progressive decline in cognitive abilities. This decline requires the individual to rely more and more on caregivers. Caregiving necessitates the giving of oneself for another’s sake and oftentimes results in negative physical and social-emotional side effects. To navigate through the changes that are happening to their loved ones, as well as to themselves, caregivers need educational and social support. The purpose of …

Effects Of Personality Type On Cochlear Implant Use, Quality Of Life, And Perceived Auditory Experience, Nicholas Stanley, Gina Mejia, Wilder Roberts, Ashley Flagge

Data and Datasets

Prior audiologic research suggests that the personality traits of cochlear implant (CI) users likely influences their rehabilitation. Research has primarily focused on the “Big Five” personality domains (Agreeableness, Extraversion, Conscientiousness, Negative Emotionality, and Open-Mindedness) with limited information available on the underlying facets. The aim of this study was to better understand how personality domains and facets were related to CI user’s quality of life, barriers to CI use, and perceived hearing ability. Twenty-six adult CI users completed an online survey which included a demographic questions and a series of questionnaires: the Cochlear Implant Use Questionnaire (CIUQ), the Cochlear Implant Quality …

The Deaf Experience In National Parks With An Emphasis On Rocky Mountain National Park, Madeline Dannewitz

Undergraduate Honors Theses

This research investigated the experiences of Deaf visitors to the Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP). The little research available focuses on how the National Park Service and its workers interact with Deaf people. Conversely, this study investigated the experiences of Deaf people and their perspective regarding interacting with the park and its members. A study regarding Deaf visitors in Yosemite National Park found that many were invisible to its employees. The desire from the Deaf community and lack of research shows the significance of this study. This analysis is crucial to the human experience as quality of life is improved …

Spatial Hearing In Simulated Reverberant Classroom Environments, Gabriel Seth Evan Weeldreyer

Durham School of Architectural Engineering and Construction: Dissertations, Thesis, and Student Research

Spatial hearing provides access to auditory spatial cues that promote speech perception in noisy listening situations. However, reverberation degrades auditory spatial cues and limits listeners’ ability to utilize these cues for segregating target speech from competing babble. Hence, spatial unmasking—an intelligibility benefit from a spatial separation between a target and masker—is reduced in reverberant environments as compared to free field. This work tests the hypothesis that interaural decorrelation, the result of increasing reverberation, will broaden the perceived auditory source width with a cascading effect of reduced auditory spatial acuity and subsequently poorer spatial unmasking. To understand the perceptual consequences of …

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 …

Behavioral Management Of Respiratory/Phonatory Dysfunction For Dysarthria Associated With Neurodegenerative Disease: A Systematic Review, Sarah E. Perry, Michelle Troche, Jessica E. Huber, Jordanna Sevitz, James Curtis, Brianna Kiefer, Qiana Dennard, Deanna Britton, Multiple Additional Authors

Speech and Hearing Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations

Purpose:

This systematic review represents an update to previous reviews of the literature addressing behavioral management of respiratory/phonatory dysfunction in individuals with dysarthria due to neurodegenerative disease.

Method:

Multiple electronic database searches and hand searches of prominent speech-language pathology journals were conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses standards.

Results:

The search yielded 1,525 articles, from which 88 met inclusion criteria and were reviewed by two blinded co-investigators. A large range of therapeutic approaches have been added to the evidence base since the last review, including expiratory muscle strength training, singing, and computer- and device-driven …

The Adverse Childhood Experiences Identification Gap In Speech Language Pathology, Mallory Prior

College of Education and Human Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Children exposed to adverse childhood experiences, a variety of potentially traumatic events occurring within the first 18 years of life, are at increased risk for speech and language disorders. Due to the high prevalence of trauma and its lasting effects, it is almost guaranteed that children who are experiencing the ongoing effects from adversity will be found on practicing Speech Language Pathologists’ caseloads. This scoping review was designed to identify current screening practices of Speech Language Pathologists (SLP) in comparison to other professionals (e.g., allied health and education), as well as additional information related to screening procedures for SLPs. The …

Prevalence Of Sickle Cell Trait And Needs Assessment For Uptake Of Sickle Cell Screening Among Secondary School Students In Kampala City, Uganda, Shamim Namukasa, Sarah Nakaziba, Grace Among, Lydia A Sasira, Posiano Mayambala, Joseph Atukwatse, Mary Namuguzi, Ahmed Sarki, Rose Maina

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Background Sickle cell disease (SCD) is one of the most frequent and traumatizing genetic disease in Uganda, with the prevalence of the sickle cell trait (SCT) estimated at 13.3% leading to serious psycho-social and economic impact on the patients and their families.

Aim This study aimed to determine the burden of SCT and factors influencing the uptake of screening services among secondary school students in Uganda.

Methods We used an analytical cross-sectional design with a multi-stage sampling approach. A total of 399 students from four secondary schools in Kampala City were enrolled in this study. Data were gathered using semi-structured …

Audiologic And Vestibular Testing And Interpretation Of Outcome Data: A Case Series, Kelly Sarhage, Antony Joseph

AuD Capstone Projects - Communication Sciences and Disorders

Abstract 1- Introduction: Nonorganic hearing loss is not typically associated with a detectable pathology.Both adults and children can present to the clinic with nonorganic hearing loss. It is often the result of psychosocial stressors and is more common in children, specifically 6 to 19 years old. Case Presentation: An 11-year-old child presented to the clinic with bilateral mild to moderate sensorineural hearing loss, but prior exams showed unilateral hearing loss on the left side. Discussion: Audiologists need to obtain a detailed case history, determine any underlying complications, inquire about additional auditory diagnoses, and employ objective testing to ascertain test reliability. …

Working Towards Recommended Terminology In The Canadian Preschool Speech-Language Pathology Context, Alison Csercsics, Lisa Md Archibald, Barbara Jane Cunningham

PRECISe Preschool Speech and Language Publications

Purpose: This quality improvement project aimed to address the inconsistent use of clinical labels across a preschool speech and language program in Ontario, Canada. The study investigated whether a multi-component knowledge translation intervention could increase speech-language pathologists’ (SLPs’) knowledge about the recommended clinical labels, motivate their intentions to use the labels, and facilitate practice change during a three-month pilot period.

Method: The Diffusion of Innovations Theory was utilized to identify and address known and suspected barriers and facilitators that could influence the adoption of consistent terminology. The intervention was evaluated using a pre-experimental study design (with pre-post-follow-up testing) and included …

Evidence Synthesis Methodology: Promoting Reproducible Methodology Through Modified Assignments, Laura Lipke, Neyda Gilman

Library Created Resources

Initially, systematic reviews in healthcare served to synthesize findings from clinical studies, aiding comprehensive access to the most effective treatments within evidence-based practice. Over time, their scope has broadened beyond treatment effectiveness, leading to a surge in publication. Consequently, many health science faculty now assign systematic reviews in classrooms without a full grasp of the standardized process, leaving students ill-equipped due to insufficient guidance and resources.

While mastering systematic review techniques is crucial for evidence-based practice, faculty can opt for modified assignments to foster a deeper understanding of the review process. These modified tasks, can be completed within a semester, …

Instrumental Assessment Of Aero-Resistive Expiratory Muscle Strength Rehabilitation Devices, Angela M. Dietsch, Rahul Krishnamurthy, Kelsey Young, Steven M. Barlow

Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders: Faculty Publications

Purpose

Expiratory muscle strength training (EMST) is increasingly being used to treat voice, cough, and swallowing deficits in a wide range of conditions. However, a multitude of aero-resistive EMST models are commercially available, and the ab-sence of side-by-side comparative data interferes with clinicians’ ability to assess which model is best suited to a particular client’s needs. The primary aim of this research was to test and compare the pressure and flow parameters of six currently available EMST models to help inform clinical decision making.

Method

We identified and tested five devices of each of six different EMST models to generate …

Evaluation And Treatment Of Central Auditory Processing And Sound Tolerance Disorders, Aaliyah Gladney, Antony Joseph

AuD Capstone Projects - Communication Sciences and Disorders

Abstract 1

Introduction: Central auditory processing disorder (CAPD) affects how a listener understands speech even though their peripheral auditory system is intact. Case Presentation: An adult female was seen for a CAPD evaluation after experiencing recent listening difficulties following an automobile accident while 20 weeks pregnant. Results from a comprehensive audiological evaluation revealed audiometrically normal hearing in both ears. Results from the CAPD evaluation suggested a prosodic deficit. Discussion: Although results from testing were consistent with a prosodic deficit, the patient’s case history, original complaints, and recommendations were more consistent with an integration deficit. Conclusion: This case demonstrates that clinicians …

Collapsed Ear Canal And Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss, Emily Adelman

AuD Capstone Projects - Communication Sciences and Disorders

No abstract provided.

Physical Activity For Anxiety For Autistic People: A Systematic Review, Kathryn Riis, Brittany Samulski, Kristina A. Neely, Patricia Laverdure

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Clinical anxiety is a common comorbidity in autistic people. Due to the prevalence of anxiety in the autism population and the adverse effects it causes, there is a critical need to develop effective interventions which address anxiety symptoms for autistic people. Therefore, the purpose of this systematic review was to examine the effectiveness of the use of physical activity as an intervention to reduce anxiety in autistic people. Three databases PubMed, PsychInfo, and Cochrane RCTs, were searched utilizing key terms. PRISMA systematic search procedures identified 44 studies meeting predetermined inclusion criteria. Participant characteristics, the type of physical activity performed, the …