Communication Sciences and Disorders Commons^™

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.

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Family Quality Of Life And Infant Language Development: A Pilot Study Of Infants Without A History Of Chronic Otitis Media, Aubreigh Cartwright

Dissertations, 2020-current

Chronic otitis media (COM) is a condition associated with hearing fluctuations, recurrent medical interventions, and speech-language concerns. While the audiological impacts for children are well documented, there is less research pertaining to parents’ and caregivers’ experiences. The goal of the overall line of inquiry was to examine the impact of chronic otitis media on parent and caregiver quality of life. Parents and caregivers of ten typically developing infants from six to twelve months of age without COM were administered parent-proxy instruments to determine quality of life, as well as expressive and receptive lexicon. The parents were administered a family intake …

A Measure Of Spatial Orientation In Healthy Adults, Lauren Maloney

Dissertations, 2020-current

Spatial orientation is essential for effective navigation and movement, relying on the integration of sensory inputs from systems such as proprioception, vision, audition, and the vestibular system. The vestibular system, responsible for detecting rotational and linear movements, plays a crucial role in maintaining balance and spatial awareness. However, its specific influence on spatial orientation remains underexplored. This study investigates how vestibular input influences spatial orientation accuracy by examining participants' ability to estimate angular displacement during rotational stimuli. Twenty participants underwent testing using a rotational chair, with stimuli at varying rotational amplitudes (5-400 degrees). Along with their perceived angular displacement (i.e. …

How Audiologists Are Using Adapted Cognitive Behavioral Therapy For Tinnitus Management: A Preliminary Study, Katherine M. Mueller

Dissertations, 2020-current

Audiologists interact with patients reporting bothersome tinnitus frequently, however there is no standardized protocol to follow when treating/counseling these patients. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is highly researched and has been proven to alleviate bothersome tinnitus symptoms, yet audiologists are not clinically trained in this tinnitus management. Specific forms of CBT that were analyzed in this study include Attention Shifting, Neurophysiological Education, and Progressive Muscle Relaxations. This study surveyed current audiologists to determine how they are using adapted CBT techniques (aCBTt) for tinnitus management. This questionnaire aimed to investigate a) the effect of audiologists’ practice duration on their frequency to recommend …

Stigma Predicts Participation And Autonomy In Chronic Vestibulopathy: An Explanatory Mixed Methods Study, Brandy L. Hollins

Dissertations, 2020-current

Many vestibular disorders are “invisible”, not widely recognized, and challenging for patients to describe. However, its impact is visible and leads to significant challenges. Research has shown that stigma associated with other chronic health conditions can detrimentally affect patient outcomes, suggesting a greater need in this area. The World Health Organization’s (WHO) International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) elucidates the role of physical, social, and cultural factors in the manifestation of health conditions within a universal framework. A critical aspect of the ICF’s contextual factors for individuals with vestibular loss is societal perception. Few studies have reported stigmatization …

Novel Paradigm For Assessing Vestibular Perception In Children, Nicole Kirk

Dissertations, 2020-current

While objective vestibular reflexive testing has been heavily researched, there are few studies analyzing subjective vestibular perception and to date no progress has been reported on motion perception in children. It is unknown if children perceive motion like adults creating a need for research comparing these age groups for thorough clinical profiles. This study adapted an adult psychophysics protocol for school-aged children and collected data on ten typically developing children and ten healthy adults. Participants rotated at various peak velocities and frequencies in a rotary chair and were asked to report their spatial orientation (i.e., how far around they rotated) …

Influence Of Semantic Richness On Word Form Learning In Children With Developmental Language Disorder, Mckenzie Scoppa, Sara Benham, Allison Gladfelter, Amanda Steeb, Lisa Goffman

CISLL Publications

Purpose:

Children with developmental language disorder (DLD) show a word form learning deficit, characterized by inaccurate and variable productions of novel words. We investigated whether, when a novel word form is introduced, incremental exposure to either a sparse visual referent or a relatively semantically rich story influences the phonetic accuracy and the phonological and articulatory variability of production in children with DLD and their typically developing (TD) peers.

Method:

Thirty-six preschoolers (18 DLD, 18 TD) aged 4;1–5;11 (years;months) were exposed to six novel words, two in each of three semantic cue conditions: no cues, sparse cues (visual referent), and rich …

Parent Attitudes Toward Augmentative And Alternative Communication (Aac) In Children With Speech And Language Disorders, Megan N. Wells, Jane Grothaus

Undergraduate Research Journal

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems support individuals who experience difficulty communicating through spoken language. While research demonstrates that AAC can significantly improve communication outcomes, caregiver perceptions play a critical role in the successful implementation of these systems. The purpose of this study was to examine parent and caregiver attitudes toward AAC use among children with speech and language disorders. A fifteen-question online survey was distributed to caregivers of children currently using AAC systems. Responses from caregivers (n = 17) were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis of open-ended responses. Results indicated that most caregivers reported improvements in their …

How Screen Time Affects Language Development In Children Ages Three To Five Years, Alyssa R. Sherman

Honors Thesis

Screen time has become an increasingly prominent part of early childhood, particularly following shifts in daily routines after the COVID-19 pandemic. This literature review examines how screen time affects language development in children ages three to five, a critical developmental period for expressive and receptive language skills. The review synthesizes current research on the use of passive and interactive screens and their associations with language acquisition, cognitive development, social communication, and physical health outcomes. Across studies, a consistent pattern emerges: excessive screen time is strongly associated with delayed language milestones, reduced social communication skills, poorer sleep quality, and increased physical …

The Picture Exchange Communication System (Pecs) As A Functional Form Of Low-Technology Aided Augmentative And Alternative Communication (Aac): A Systematic Review, Faith K. Curran

Pacific Journal of Health

This systematic literature review was completed with the aim of investigating the functionality of the low-technology aided Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). In this review, functionality was defined by how successful AAC users used PECS. Fifteen peer reviewed primary sources which were published between 2020 and 2025 were selected to provide a current and relevant analysis. There was not enough current research to support the use of PECS across various functions of language. However, PECS is mainly used for one to two language functions, object requesting and commenting. Further research studying the success rates of …

How Do Autobiographical Memory Abilities Compare With Other Cognitive Functions In An Adult Presenting With Hsam (Highly Superior Autobiographical Memory) And Autism? A Case Study., Emilia Rzeszutek, Dr. Jamie Mayer

Honors Capstones

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a condition widely researched in relation to social communication differences and challenges in areas such as memory and executive functioning. Many areas of research highlight ASD’s deficits, shortcomings, and risk factors. However, research has begun to recognize that autistic individuals demonstrate cognitive strengths that differ from typical patterns of functioning. An example of such ability is Highly Superior Autobiographical Memory (HSAM), a rare phenomenon characterized by the ability to recall specific life events with remarkable accuracy and detail. This study was conducted on a 25-year-old male diagnosed with ASD and presents with characteristics of HSAM. …

Investigating Speech-Language Pathologists’ Perceptions On Bilingual/Multilingual Aac Intervention And Quality Of Care, Lillian D. Griffith

Communication Disorders and Occupational Therapy Undergraduate Honors Theses

This study examined U.S.-based speech-language pathologists' (SLPs) perceptions of bilingual/multilingual AAC service provision and the barriers SLPs encounter to determine if SLP beliefs align with practices. An anonymous survey was distributed to 307 ASHA-certified SLPs, resulting in 21 completed responses. The survey consisted of questions that gathered information on participant demographics, caseload, perceptions/beliefs, and practices, with optional open-ended questions for additional context. SLPs in the participant sample strongly believed that AAC intervention should occur in all the languages spoken by the client. Despite this belief, they struggled to implement it due to barriers. Key barriers identified included SLP language limitations, …

Exploring The Quality-Of-Life Impact Of Driving For People With Aphasia, Kaleigh Welch, Emily Huddleston

Appalachian Student Healthcare Research Review

Purpose: This study explored how driving ability or loss affects the social, emotional, and practical quality of life of people with aphasia (PWA). Given that driving is a key marker of independence, identity, and community participation, the study aimed to understand how individuals with aphasia experience driving resumption or cessation and how these experiences shape daily functioning and psychosocial well‑being.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven adults with aphasia recruited from a university-based aphasia group. Interviews were completed in a private university clinic room. Open-ended questions elicited participants’ feelings, experiences, and perceptions regarding driving or not driving after aphasia. …

Patterns Of Acquisition For /ɹ/ Across Phonetic Contexts, Hailey Nielson

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

Purpose: 

This study examined longitudinal changes in /ɹ/ production (i.e., the “r” sound) among 14 children aged five to seven at risk for persistent speech sound disorders (SSDs). Children at risk for SSDs show slower or atypical development of /ɹ/, yet little is known about which early patterns predict persistent difficulty, making it difficult for clinicians to prioritize caseloads and provide timely intervention. Using perceptual accuracy ratings across varied /ɹ/ contexts, we modeled growth in /ɹ/ accuracy across different word contexts and evaluated the extent to which early accuracy and changes in /ɹ/production predicted mastery at age seven.

Methods: 

Longitudinal …

Challenging Myths In Speech-Language Pathology: A Scientific Review Of Augmentative And Alternative Communication (Aac) Use, Bilingualism, And Late Talking, Mariah Morris

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

Persistent myths within the field of speech-language pathology continue to influence clinical decision-making and contribute to biases experienced by both providers and clients. This scientific review examines common misconceptions surrounding late talking, bilingualism, and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) by evaluating current evidence-based research. Specifically, this review addresses three central questions: Do children outgrow late talking? Does bilingualism cause language delay in children? Does AAC hinder speech development? 

An analysis of multiple peer-reviewed studies revealed little statistical support for the belief that bilingualism or AAC use causes language delays. Instead, research indicates that factors such as limited access to language-rich …

Connecting With Augmentative And Alternative Communication Users: An Internship Report, Karaline Kerzie

Communication Disorders and Occupational Therapy Undergraduate Honors Theses

This article evaluates and reflects on personal experiences working with children with autism in an early intervention, multidisciplinary setting. Implementation of Applied Behavior Analysis, Speech-Language Pathology, Augmentative and Alternative Communication, and Occupational Therapy techniques created a multifaceted and comprehensive intervention environment in a free-clinic setting.

Supporting An Inclusive Summer Camp For Children With Developmental Disabilities Who Use Aac And Their Neurotypical Peers: A Practice-Based Report, Jessica Hicks

Communication Disorders and Occupational Therapy Undergraduate Honors Theses

For my honors research, I completed an internship in an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) lab at the University of Arkansas. For most of my internship work, I helped support an inclusive AAC summer camp for children with and without developmental disabilities, such as autism, for whom speech does not fully meet their communication needs. AAC includes high-tech tools such as communication apps on tablets that serve as speech-generating devices (SGDs). SGDs were used by many of the AAC summer camp participants with developmental disabilities. In this report, I will provide background information on AAC and developmental disabilities. I will …

Caregiver Experiences During Mealtime In Families Of Children With Feeding Disorders In The Borderland, Chyanne Reveles

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

This study examines the lived experiences of caregivers of children with pediatric feeding disorders (PFDs) in the Paso del Norte Region using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Pediatric feeding disorders require sustained medical, social, and emotional demand, often placing caregivers in complex decision-making roles. Understanding how cultural beliefs and context shape caregiving practices is essential to improving services provided by speech-language pathologists and other service providers. The qualitative research approach used facilitated the discovery of themes surrounding the lived experience of the caregivers of children with feeding disorders. Semi-structured interviews were conducted via Zoom with caregivers residing in the U.S.-Mexico border …