Communication Sciences and Disorders Commons^™

Fall 2021

Scientia

A Decade of Progress and Success; Speech Language Pathology Program; COVID-19 Long-Hauler Study; Peer Mentors Initiative; Faculty Update; Expert Engagement: Three CSH initiatives further education and scholarship while supporting communities in need; Strategic Command: Business consultant and med tech expert Stephen Sichak helps others face pandemic challenges; Taking Care: A School of Nursing research team plumbs the pandemic experiences of nurses nationwide

Allergic And Adverse Reactions To Hearing Aid Materials: Clinical Cases And A Proposed Preventive Screening Questionnaire, Margaret Hanger

AuD Capstone Projects - Communication Sciences and Disorders

Abstract (Case 1)

An adverse reaction of the external auditory canal for an adult hearing aid user

Introduction: Contact dermatitis, an allergic skin reaction triggered by exposure to irritants or allergens, has become more common with the widespread use of in-ear devices such as hearing aids. Prolonged contact may lead to redness, itching, pain, and skin breakdown, potentially impacting device use and user satisfaction.

Case Presentation: An adult male who wears a turban was fitted with binaural in-the-ear hearing aids. Shortly after initial use, he experienced bilateral ear discomfort. His hearing aids were remade to address presumed physical fit issues. …

Knowledge Of Alzheimer’S Disease-Related Dementia In Down Syndrome: A Cross-Section Survey Of Rehabilitation Graduate Students, Alan F. Smith, Abigail R. Donaway

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Adults with Down syndrome have an increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease–related dementia, often presenting with behavioral and functional changes rather than early memory impairment. Rehabilitation professionals may observe these changes across the lifespan; however, preparedness during professional training is unclear. This study examined graduate student knowledge of dementia in individuals with Down syndrome across rehabilitation disciplines. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was distributed to graduate students in speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, and physical therapy programs in the United States (N = 322). Outcomes included factual knowledge, recognition of stage-related characteristics, and familiarity with diagnostic and care considerations. …

Monitoring Spoken Language In Infants And Toddlers Who Are Deaf Or Hard Of Hearing Using The Lena Developmental Snapshot, Monika-Maria Oster, Kimberly A. Peters

Journal of Early Hearing Detection and Intervention

Purpose: This retrospective analysis evaluates the Developmental Snapshot as a language monitoring tool for infants and toddlers with bilateral hearing loss who use listening and spoken language.

Method: Data were obtained from the educational and clinical records of 147 children with bilateral hearing loss. For each child, the LENA (Language ENvironment Analysis) Developmental Snapshot, a standardized online language assessment that relies on parent report, had been completed at least once. When available, scores from other standardized language assessments (PLS-5, CDI, and DAYC-2) were also obtained.

Results: LENA Developmental Snapshot standard scores were characterized by high variability and mean scores in …

A Survey Study On Physiological Hearing Assessment Practice In The Usa, Malina Mangrum, Hasan Saleh, Sangamanatha Ankmnal Ankmnal Veeranna, Kimberly Ward, Charles G. Marx

Journal of Early Hearing Detection and Intervention

Background: In the United States, limited information exists regarding the physiological measures and testing parameters used in infant hearing assessments. To address this gap, we conducted a nationwide survey to identify the types of physiological tests and procedures currently employed by audiologists.

Method: A structured survey was distributed to audiologists across the country to gather information about the auditory tests and recording parameters used in infant hearing evaluations.

Results: Most respondents reported using Auditory Brainstem Responses (ABRs) to estimate infant hearing thresholds, primarily relying on traditional stimuli rather than chirp stimuli. The Auditory Steady-State Response (ASSR) was not widely used …

Targeted Interprofessional Education (Ipe) Curriculum For First-Year Speech-Language Pathology (Slp) Graduate Students, Cody Marie Busch

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

ASHA requires that SLP graduate programs facilitate opportunities for interprofessional collaborative practice (IPCP). Research suggests that IPCP initiatives should be integrated throughout the curriculum, rather than isolated interprofessional education (IPE) experiences. 15 first-year SLP graduate students participated in a year-long IPE curriculum focused on the IPEC Core Competencies. Quantitative and qualitative data revealed improved perception of IPCP and appreciation of opportunities to interact with other disciplines. Students noted that SLP graduate programs should integrate IPCP opportunities because they set them up for success with collaboration and help remove the SLP “silo.” Finally, students reported that they plan to use the …

An Exploration Of Case-Based Teaching And Learning In Aac Courses: Student Data Analysis And Reflections On Engaging In Academic Research, Kayla Lorance, Claire Almos, Abigail Spudich, Alli Sauerwein, Kristen Muller

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

Case-based learning is a beneficial pedagogical approach because it offers opportunities for students to apply constructs and frameworks and to develop clinical reasoning and decision-making skills. Clinical cases have been used to explore students' clinical reasoning skills in AAC research studies; however, few instructors have published about the use of case-based learning in their AAC courses. Thus, this study aimed to understand how and why faculty and instructors use case-based learning in graduate-level AAC courses as well as their recommendations for colleagues.

A total of twelve faculty participated in the study by completing an interview. Qualitative data analysis was completed. …

Supporting Neurodivergent Students In Communication Sciences And Disorders: Best Practices Integrating Udl And Tilt In Academic Courses, Jacqueline A. Towson, Nancy Mcintyre, Alexis Cunha

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

In this tutorial, we explore effective andragogical strategies to support neurodivergent students in higher education programs, specifically within academic course in the field of communication sciences and disorders (CSD). By integrating the evidence-based education practices of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and the Transparency in Learning and Teaching (TILT) framework, faculty can create inclusive and supportive learning environments in academic courses to better support neurodivergent students in CSD programs. We discuss practical applications of these frameworks through two sample assignments, supported by recent research, and provide actionable recommendations for faculty in higher education. The goal of this tutorial is to …

Demographic Influences On Awareness Of Speech-Language Pathology Services In The U.S., Phil Weir-Mayta, Joshua Ayala

Communication Sciences and Disorders Faculty Articles and Research

Introduction

Methods

Responsivity Education Reflection Packet For Multigenerational Caregivers, Natalie Holsky

Honors Projects

Caregivers play an essential role in supporting their child’s language development. Through everyday routines, caregivers have countless opportunities to foster strong language skills. Extensive research has examined the influence of caregiver input on language development. Comparatively little research has explored how historical trends in parenting advice across generations may shape caregivers’ use of language facilitation practices. The purpose of my honors project was to examine how generational parenting trends could inform the development of a clinic-to-home language facilitation resource. This resource was designed to help caregivers incorporate language facilitation strategies into everyday routines to increase language-rich interactions at home. A …

Therapy With Empathy

DePaul Magazine

DePaul's Speech Language Pathology and Occupational Therapy graduate programs, newly aligned in the Department of Rehabilitative Sciences and Professions at the College of Science and Health, employ a community assets-based approach to serving diverse populations and individuals' needs across the lifespan.

Effects Of Cross-Curricular Instruction On Clinical Education Outcomes For Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Students, Michele Dacy, Kimberly Smith

Journal on Empowering Teaching Excellence

Access the online Pressbooks version of this article here.

Cross-curricular instruction is the process of combining information from two or more subjects within a single discipline in order to help students integrate the knowledge and skills they learn from separate courses. The purpose of this study was to examine how cross-curricular instruction impacted speech-language pathology (SLP) graduate students' knowledge, confidence, and clinical skills related to the assessment of patients with co-occurring diagnoses of dementia and dysphagia. Twenty-three SLP master's students completed a questionnaire before and after receiving cross-curricular instruction on how to assess dysphagia in persons with dementia. The questionnaire …

Transfer Of Learning From Simulation To Clinical Practice: Slp Graduate Student Experiences In Medical Externships, Karen D. Villanueva, Kerry C. Mandulak, Amanda Stead, Patrick Walden

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

The purpose of this project was to explore the impact of participation in simulation-based learning (SBL) with standardized patients on graduate speech-language pathology students’ clinical experiences in healthcare externships. This study aims to understand how students perceive the impact of prior SBL participation during clinical practice and how this perceived impact changes over time. Students chose to participate in SBL experiences centered on conducting a clinical swallow evaluation (CSE) with adult standardized patients prior to completing full-time medical externship placements. During their externships, students participated in two structured interviews and completed three anonymous critical incident technique (CIT) questionnaires over eleven …

Bridging Interprofessional Gaps: A Pilot Study On Aac And Asl Training For Allied Health Profession Students, Angela M. Riccelli, Danielle Osmelak, Leslie Guca, Keith Werosh, Valerie Coolman, Rebecca Kvasnicka

Journal of Applied Disciplines

Interprofessional education (IPE) is recognized as a critical component of health professions training, equipping future clinicians with the skills necessary for collaborative practice and patient-centered care. However, students in speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, and physical therapy programs often have limited exposure to individuals who rely on Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) or American Sign Language (ASL). This study evaluated the impact of a grant-funded, AAC- and ASL-focused IPE event at Governors State University on students’ self-reported interprofessional competencies. Using the Interprofessional Collaborative Competencies Attainment Survey (ICCAS-R) developed by Archibald, D., Trumpower, D., and MacDonald, C.J., in 2009 and revised in …

Determinants Of Corporal Punishment And Severe Physical Punishment In Egypt: A Mixed-Methods Analysis For Child Protection Policy, Marwa Moustafa Nassef

Theses and Dissertations

Corporal punishment (CP) and severe physical punishment (SPP) remain a major public health, child rights, and child protection policy concern. In Egypt, despite legislative reforms, survey-weighted analysis of the 2021 Egypt Family Health Survey (EFHS) 2021 (CAPMAS, 2022) reveals prevalence rates of 60.5% for CP and 27.4% for SPP among children aged 1–14 (author’s calculations using EFHS-2021, n=7623), yet evidence distinguishing the determinants of routine corporal punishment from escalation to severe physical punishment remains limited in low- and middle-income contexts. Guided by Bronfenbrenner’s ecological framework, this mixed-methods study identifies key drivers of CP and its escalation to SPP among Egyptian …

An Exploratory Study: The Presence Of Imposter Syndrome In New Graduate Allied Health Professionals And Its Relationship To Location Of Practice, Samantha J. Barber, Carol A. Flavell Dr, Moira Smith Dr

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Imposter syndrome (IS) explores the feelings of fraudulence within personal and professional settings. Commonly IS results in impaired self-confidence, and self-perceptions of one’s own abilities, their mental health, and places them at a higher risk of burnout. Imposterism is linked to transitionary periods, such as being newly graduated, and while IS addressed amongst the medical community [doctors and nurses], there is a gap in literature relating to IS amongst allied health professionals (AHPs). Additionally, there is no known literature in which IS presence or severity is explored in relation to an individual’s geographic location. The aim of this study …

Aphasia Therapy In An Arabic-Speaking Individual After Stroke: A Case Report, Mohammed F. Alharbi Dr

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This case report describes the clinical application and preliminary outcomes of Arabic-adapted Semantic Feature Analysis (SFA), Phonological Components Analysis (PCA), and Verb Network Strengthening Treatment (VNeST) in an Arabic-speaking adult with post-stroke aphasia and highlights language-specific factors that affect the adaptation of these interventions to Arabic. Methods: The participant was a 53-year-old right-handed native Arabic-speaking man who developed moderate to severe nonfluent transcortical motor aphasia after a left middle cerebral artery stroke. One month after stroke onset, he underwent assessment with the Short Aphasia Test for Gulf Arabic speakers, which showed relatively preserved auditory comprehension and repetition but marked …

An Exploration Of The Intersection Of Artificial Intelligence And Speech-Language Pathology -- Potential Impacts, Manish K. Rami

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This paper explores the potential impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the profession of Speech-Language Pathology (SLP). AI is widely recognized as a transformative force, presenting opportunities across both service delivery and professional practice in SLP. Method: The analysis employs the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's  Scope of Practice in Speech-Language Pathology as an organizing framework to systematically evaluate AI applications across professional and service delivery domains. Within each domain, the study identifies emerging use cases, evaluates the capacity for AI technologies to automate or augment clinical processes, and examines broader implications for the profession, with particular attention to anticipated changes …

Optimizing Cochlear Implant Follow Up: An Analysis Of Mstb 3 Proposed Timeline Changes, Alexandra Parbery-Clark, Dylan Severson, Sachin Gupta, Nadav Brumer, Elizabeth Elkins, Chantel Hazlewood, Jake Hillyer

All Poster Presentations

No abstract provided.

Enhancing Ecological Validity In Speech-In-Noise Testing: Integrating Virtual Reality For A Multisensory Audiological Experience, Paulina Lee

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Despite the remarkable advances in hearing healthcare technology, the speech recognition tests used in routine clinical audiological assessment have remained essentially the same for decades.  Monosyllabic word recognition tests in quiet, such as the Northwestern University Auditory Test No. 6 (NU-6; Tillman & Carhart, 1966), have served as the audiology field’s default measure of speech understanding.  Modern speech-in-noise (SIN) tests, such as the QuickSIN (Killion et al., 2004), have emerged, yet they remain auditory-only, leaving an unignorable gap between what clinical tests measure and how patients communicate in daily life.  The present study examined whether pairing a standard SIN test …

Music Appreciation In Cochlear Implant Users: A Questionnaire, Hanna Davidson

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Cochlear implants provide significant benefits for speech perception in individuals with severe to profound hearing loss; however, music perception and appreciation remain challenging due to limited spectral and temporal resolution. This study examined music appreciation in post lingually deafened adult cochlear implant users, focusing on changes in enjoyment, listening behaviors, and subjective experiences following implantation. Sixteen adults completed a 36-item questionnaire assessing pre- and post-implant music engagement, perceived sound quality, and emotional responses to music. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics, and qualitative responses were analyzed thematically.

Results indicated a moderate decline in music enjoyment following …

Exploring The Influence Of Ear-Level Devices On Adult Perceptions Across Professional, Social, And Educational Settings, Lucia R. Berry

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Background: The hearing aid market is continuously advancing to address the increasing prevalence of hearing loss and the barriers to obtaining hearing aids. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Apple AirPods Pro 2 devices to function as over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids. This is an alternative option to manage hearing difficulties; however, it presents secondary complications related to headphone use and stigma.

Objective: Limited research is available regarding attitudes towards individuals wearing Apple AirPods Pro 2 as OTC hearing aids. This study intended to analyze if people’s pre-established perceptions of Apple AirPods shift once they learn they are being used …

Assessing The Influence Of Disability Views On Perceptions Of Hearing Aids Among Older Korean Adults, Stasha Lee

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Background

Age-related hearing loss, also known as presbycusis, is highly prevalent among older adults, yet hearing aid adoption remains low, in part due to concerns about stigma and negative social perceptions. This study aimed to examine whether attitudes towards disabilities influence perceptions of individuals wearing hearing aids among older Korean adults. It also explored the potential effects of cultural identity and the age of the individual wearing the hearing aid on these perceptions.

Methods

Ten participants completed the Attitudes and Perspectives on Persons with Disabilities (APPD) questionnaire and rated 8 different images of individuals (one younger male and one older …

Implicit Attitudes Toward Hearing Aid Visibility: Conspicuous Versus Inconspicuous Hearing Aid Colors, Orly R. Ames

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Hearing aid stigma remains a significant barrier to treatment uptake, with device visibility frequently identified as a contributing factor. Although prior research has examined visibility in relation to hearing aid size and style, the role of color as a distinct aesthetic dimension has not been systematically investigated. The present study assessed whether hearing aid color affects implicit and explicit attitudes toward hearing aids and whether such evaluations differ across contexts. Twenty-six adults who were not current hearing aid users participated in an online quantitative multi-method study consisting of an Implicit Association Test (IAT) and self-report questionnaires. The IAT measured implicit …

A Comparison Of Manufacturers’ Claims Of Attenuation Rates In Non-Custom Earplugs, Skyler M. Shipley

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Recreational and social environments frequently expose individuals to high intensity noise environments; however, the use of hearing protection devices (HPDs) remains limited. This study evaluated whether non-custom, over-the-counter musicians’ earplugs provide attenuation consistent with manufacturers’ claims and whether cost is associated with performance. Six commercially available earplug models were tested using both human participants and a KEMAR manikin system. Attenuation was measured across frequencies from 250–8000 Hz (octave and inter-octave frequencies) and were tested using different ear tip sizes. Results indicated that several earplugs achieved attenuation levels comparable to or exceeding their advertised noise reduction ratings (NRR), though consistency varied …

Empowering Women: Understanding Neurological Changes In The Aging Brain, Joy Mckenzie

InnovateHER Meeting 2026

Women tend to have more neurological changes than men as they age starting in their mid-30s (Mosconi, 2024). While aging is a natural process, the neurological changes can impact a woman’s personal and professional quality of life (Faubion et al., 2023; Gravini, 2023). For years, women’s neurological symptoms have been ignored by being told that their experiences are normal and just a part of life (Haver, 2025). That narrative is starting to shift with the increased awareness of changes specific to women. There are resources to assess cognitive changes such as memory, processing speed, and word finding and strategies to …

Learner-Centered Education As A Model For Promoting Client-Centered Care In Communication Sciences And Disorders, Shanna R. Callewaert, Sarah M. Ginsberg

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

As the student voice is increasingly valued in teaching and learning within higher education, learner-centered education (LCE) has gained traction as a method of creating classrooms that are unique to students’ desires and expectations (Barr & Tagg, 1995; Weimer, 2002). Similarly, client-centered care can be employed as a way for clinicians to shape treatment based on clients’ individual goals (Barry & Edgman-Levitan, 2012; Epstein & Street, 2011). This paper explores the relationships between LCE and client-centered care, noting the importance of engaging communication sciences and disorders students in LCE as it can promote the use of client-centered care in their …

Faculty And Student Perspectives On Course Collaborations Within Communication Sciences And Disorders, Shanna R. Callewaert, Sarah M. Ginsberg

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

The collaborative course (re)design (CCRD) process provides faculty and students with an opportunity to collaborate in partnership to redesign a course that the faculty teaches and that the student has previously taken. This process amplifies student voices and allows faculty to increase their understanding of students’ learning and experiences. However, barriers of CCRD, such as faculty members’ desires to retain decision-making control, students’ hesitations to share feedback, and logistical concerns, prevent many faculty and students from taking part in the process. This qualitative study sought to gain insight into the perspectives held by students and faculty in the communication sciences …

A Qualitative Job Posting Analysis From Missouri To Guide Competency-Based Curriculum In Slp Education, Megan Batzer

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

Competency-based education is a major trend for health professions education and one of the topics the Ad Hoc Committee to Plan Next Steps to Redesign Entry-Level Education for Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) recently explored. Competency-based education is an outcomes-based educational model where the focus is on development and mastery of specific knowledge and skills through instruction, assessment, and feedback. Competency-based education encompasses multiple educational theories including the self-determination theory, self-directed learning, self-assessment, and self-efficacy. Understanding the perspectives of key constituents, such as employers, on the setting-specific and across-setting knowledge, skills, and attributes required for the clinical fellowship (CF) experience could guide …

Improving Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Student Confidence In Evidence-Based Practice, Courtney Olson, Carla Tierney-Hendricks

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is widely acknowledged to be beneficial and necessary for the treatment of patients. However, a gap between evidence-based practice research and use is present. One way to improve EBP implementation is by focusing on incorporating explicit EBP instruction at the graduate student level. This study describes the development of a series of learning modules based on key EBP principles in order to increase graduate student confidence in EBP. Twenty-four first-semester graduate students were followed over the course of 8-weeks, with one group of twelve students receiving structured supplemental learning and the other group receiving only their traditional …