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 …

A Comparison Of Temporary Threshold Shifts In Dentists, Hygienists, And Dental Assistants, Sabina E. Ciaccio

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Objective: The purpose of this study is to compare the temporary threshold shifts (TTS) in dentists, hygienists, and dental assistants. The specific aim of this study is to compare the differences in temporary shifts caused by the different dental equipment and the proximity to the equipment. The current literature does not compare the change in hearing thresholds of dental personnel.

Methods: Dentists, dental assistants, and hygienists from Hermann Dental Associates will be given a case history form to determine inclusion status for this study. Exclusion criteria will include known hearing loss and significant noise exposure the day prior. …

Articulatory Activity Of The Tongue, Jaw, And Lips During The Second Passaggio Transition Of The Soprano Voice, Richard C. Lissemore

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

This dissertation describes three experiments designed to explore the acoustic and articulatory activity of a perceptible change in the soprano voice known as the secondo passaggio, or second transition, which typically occurs for the [ɑ] vowel between D♮5 (587 Hz) and F♮5 (698 Hz). Acoustically, the transition involves a shift in resonance strategy from second resonance tracking of the second harmonic (f_R2/2f_o) to first resonance tracking of the fundamental frequency (f_R1/f_o). To quantify the acoustics of the transition, we employed the measure L₁-L₂, the …

Knowledge And Attitudes Towards Usage Of Hearing Protection In Volunteer Firefighters, Rachel S. Combs

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Background: Occupational noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) represents a substantial global public health concern. Regulatory agencies such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Institute for Occupation Safety and Health (NIOSH) aim to establish noise exposure limits in occupational settings, yet certain professions, such as firefighting, remain at a heightened risk. Although research has been conducted on noise exposure and hearing protection in career firefighters, a lack of research exists on volunteer firefighters. The purpose of this study was to 1) establish the extent that volunteer firefighters are currently educated on hearing conservation and hearing protection 2) …

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 …

Best Practices For Healthcare Providers When Communicating With Individuals With Hearing Loss: A Systematic Review, Ashley Mccaig

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to conduct a systematic review of the literature to gather information about strategies to use when communicating with people with hearing loss, specifically in healthcare settings or environments where face masks are frequently used. The compiled literature was used to establish the best practices for healthcare providers to use when communicating with their patients with hearing loss, especially when utilizing face masks.

Methods: A comprehensive search of the literature was conducted using the Google Scholar, PubMed, and MEDLINE Complete databases. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) was used to …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Toolkit For Users Of Over-The-Counter Hearing Aids, Sabrina Malasarte

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Untreated hearing loss oftentimes has significant adverse effects on the quality of life of older adults. The associations include, but are not limited to loneliness, isolation, anxiety, and a decrease in cognitive function. Hearing aids significantly improve audibility, social interactions, and decrease feelings of loneliness or isolation. However, despite technological advances, and evidence of positive outcomes associated with hearing aid use, uptake and continued use of hearing aids remain low. Accessibility and affordability are considered barriers to uptake. Purchasing a prescription hearing aid from an audiologist is the traditional approach to receiving an amplification device, but the advent of over …

Exploring Counseling Self-Efficacy Development Among Graduate Speech-Language Pathology Students, Rebecca Jones

Dissertations, 2020-current

Two thematically linked studies are contained within this dissertation document, completed in partial fulfillment of the degree requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy, per the Communication Sciences and Disorders Ph.D. handbook, and in agreement with an advisory committee. These projects serve to advance the scholarship of teaching and learning in the areas of counseling skill development and therapeutic alliance building. The first study deals with the impact of a university-based caregiver coaching program on SLP graduate students' counseling self-efficacy (CSE) and their perceptions of therapeutic alliances with infant caregivers. A mixed-methods approach was employed utilizing reflexive thematic analysis (RTA) and …

A Phase-1 Trial Of Intensive Hybrid Stuttering Modification/Fluency Shaping Therapy, Jessica Smith

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze changes in frequency stuttering behaviors, speech rate, and feelings/attitudes following the University of South Florida Program for Advanced Treatment of Stuttering (USF-PATS), a hybrid stuttering modification/fluency shaping program intended for teenagers and adults who stutter moderately to very severely.

Method: Baseline and post-treatment speech samples for participants (N = 3) were analyzed for speech rate and presence of stuttering behaviors (repeated movements, fixed postures, and superfluous behaviors) across conditions (monologue and reading). An abbreviated thematic analysis was completed to analyze feelings/attitudes post-treatment.

Results: Results revealed a decrease to zero and near-zero …

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 …

This (Dis)Abled Person: Professional Receptiveness Towards Future Slps With Disabilities, Billy Allen

Theses & Honors Papers

With increasing levels of diversity within the United States, having the field of speech-language pathology better reflect and represent the changing demographic shifts in society is critically important. Little attention has been given toward the prospect of individuals with disabilities serving in the field despite focused efforts to increase the presence of professionals from racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds. This study investigated the receptiveness of practicing speech-language pathologists (SLPs) or communication sciences and disorders (CSD) graduate faculty towards the prospect of individuals with disabilities working as SLPs within the field or entering graduate-level CSD programs. A survey collecting quantitative data …

Exploring Hispanic Immigrant Parents Literacy Needs In Navigating Life With Children In The United States, Michelle Lowry

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

The responsibility of raising a child is demanding on all parents, but immigrant parents with limited literacy skills in English may find parenting even more demanding than native born parents. Hispanic immigrant parents are rarely consulted about their literacy needs. Furthermore, they are often overlooked as experts on their own needs. Using two of the most widely accepted models of literacy, The Simple View of Writing and The Simple View of Reading, this study explored Hispanic immigrant parents' literacy needs in the United States. The current study was conducted on N=30 Hispanic Immigrant parents, ages early 30s to mid 70s. …

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 …

Examining Force Level Output Of Skin-Drive Bone Conduction Hearing Devices In Adults With Simulated Conductive Hearing Loss, Rana El-Naji, Susan Scollie, Marlene P. Bagatto

Communication Sciences and Disorders Publications

Bone conduction hearing devices (BCDs) that deliver sound across the skin (i.e., transcutaneous) are suitable for some individuals who have conductive or mixed hearing losses. Prescriptive targets for percutaneous devices are available, for example, from the Desired Sensation Level–Bone Conduction Hearing Device (DSL-BCD) algorithm. These targets, however, may require modification for use with transcutaneous BCDs. The current study investigated three key variables that may inform target modification: (a) comparison of thresholds measured using an audiometric bone conduction (BC) transducer versus transcutaneous BCDs that offer in situ threshold measurement, (b) transcutaneous BCD default force level outputs versus recommended DSL percutaneous BC …

Assessing The Reliability Of The Pairwise Variability Index For Differential Diagnosis Of Apraxia Of Speech, Celeste Sinko

University Honors Theses

Differential diagnosis of apraxia of speech (AOS) from other speech and language disorders is a prevailing challenge in the field of speech language pathology. Presently, existing measures for assessing AOS consist of perceptual rating scales, such as the Apraxia of Speech Rating Scale developed by Duffy, Strand, Clark, and Josephs. While perceptual rating scales are the current gold standard for assessment and diagnosis of AOS, they require a high degree of clinical expertise, and are susceptible to rater bias and rater drift. Thus, there exists a need for quantitative, objective measures for differential diagnosis of AOS. The purpose of this …

Moca Normative Data On Young Adults Using An Adapted Version And Remote Administration Via Zoom, Elizabeth Johns

Honors Theses

Overview:

Cognitive decline is often associated with the emergence of dementia and other negative developments in health. Due to the potential for harm that cognitive decline can cause, it is essential that clinicians are able to detect and identify when it is occurring. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is useful clinically mainly because of the test’s ability to identify mild cognitive impairment. Following the pandemic in 2020, telehealth has become prominent. Previous studies considering MoCA have mostly used samples of older adults, but it is important to understand the impact of traumatic brain injuries on young adults. The following study …

The Effect Of Dance Training On The Vor During The Video Head Impulse Test, Miranda Scalzo

Dissertations, 2020-current

The vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) is essential to maintain clear vision during head movements and can be assessed through the head impulse paradigm (HIMP). The suppression head impulse paradigm (SHIMP) is used to quantify the ability to suppress the VOR. MacDougall et. al. (2016) demonstrated that SHIMP gain is decreased compared to HIMP gain values in healthy adults. Previous research has supported the idea that vestibular trained athletes, such as dancers, have an enhanced capability of suppressing the VOR than those without vestibular training. The objective of this study was to assess VOR suppression capabilities at increased velocities, similar to what …

“Neur-Aud-Diversity”: Young Adults With Adhd Are More Impulsive And Can Be Accurately Selected From Their Neurotypical Peers Using False Alarm Rates In Masked And Unmasked Auditory Tasks, Katelyn Hobbs

Dissertations, 2020-current

Objective diagnostic measures are desired for those with ADHD (attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder) to overcome current subjective measures. Listeners with ADHD are more impulsive than their neurotypical peers (those without a neurological disorder). Greater impulsivity can lead to lower thresholds on an informational masking task. It was hypothesized that people with ADHD would have lower thresholds on an informational masking task, however, no significant difference was found between the groups’ thresholds (t ₄₀=.49, p=.62, Cohen d=.16). A significant difference was found when comparing the initial false alarm rates from the long testing period with the final false alarm rates (p=.035, …

Assessing Trends In Cochlear Implant Recipients' Quality Of Life Score Over Time, Rebecca Civil

Dissertations, 2020-current

This study investigates changes in subjective health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among cochlear implant (CI) recipients over extended periods post-implantation. While existing literature primarily focuses on the initial or short-term improvements in QoL post-implantation compared to pre-implantation, this study looks into the stability and potential decline of QoL over time. Although the literature provides limited evidence on longitudinal trends in QoL among CI recipients over extended periods exceeding 12 months post-implantation, that limited evidence suggests a trend of decline in QoL scores, even as objective audiological measures tend to stay consistently high in the same population. Utilizing data from 25 …

The Effect Of Listening Level On Listening Effort: A Pupillometry Study, Noelle Elizabeth Steele

Dissertations, 2020-current

Listening in adverse conditions such as in the presence of background noise or at a low intensity level can require additional listening effort. While the relationship between signal to noise ratio and listening effort has been reported previously, there is a gap in the literature on the effect of listening at different levels on listening effort. In the present study, five young, normal-hearing listeners were tested for speech understanding at two presentation levels (35 dB and 65 dB) under three signal to noise ratio conditions (0, -3, and -6 dB). Peak pupil dilation was measured using a Tobii T60 XL …

Magnitude Estimations Of Angular Motion: Test-Retest Reliability, Elizabeth C. Pahygiannis

Dissertations, 2020-current

Dizziness and imbalance are one of the most common complaints of people 65 years and older, as it affects 20-30% of this population and puts one at a higher risk of falling (Iwasaki & Yamasoba, 2015). Vestibular impairments are identified through measures of vestibular reflexes such as the VOR. However, the extent of impairment observed through the VOR may not correlate with the patient’s perceptions of their symptoms (Kobel et al., 2021).A large portion of patients with vestibular symptoms cannot be diagnosed with the testing that is currently available (Agrawal et al., 2009). Magnitude estimation is a psychophysics technique used …

Assessing The Effects Of Emg Target Levels On Cvemp Thresholds, Melanie Johnson

Dissertations, 2020-current

Cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMP) measure function of the saccule and inferior vestibular nerve by evoking inhibitory electromyogram (EMG) responses from the sternocleidomastoid muscle using short duration stimulation. Previous research has shown that cVEMP amplitude increases relative to EMG target level and latency remains constant, yet there is little to no research demonstrating the relationship between EMG target level and cVEMP threshold. The objective of this study is to determine the effects of EMG activation on cVEMP thresholds and assess whether patients who generate larger tonic EMG during cVEMP testing have lower cVEMP thresholds. cVEMPs were recorded in 20 …

“Neur-Aud-Diversity”: Assessing Adhd Through Speech-On-Speech Masking, Rebecca Hales

Dissertations, 2020-current

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is an executive functioning disorder which can be difficult to diagnose. The current diagnosis process relies on observations and subjective reports, resulting in individuals being misdiagnosed or have delays in receiving a proper diagnosis. Differences in auditory processing have been observed between neurotypical (NT) and ADHD individuals via neurophysiological measures, so this study aims to see if those differences can be translated into objectively measurable differences in more cost-effective behavioral measures.

While seated in front of an array of speakers, NT and ADHD participants were asked to listen for verbal directions to complete a task …

Functional Connectivity Of The Hippocampus In Autism Spectrum Disorder, Noah Watts

Honors Theses

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological developmental disorder that affects around 1/44 of individuals in the United States. ASD individuals tend to struggle with things such as communication and socialization. This disorder has been found to affect many brain regions; however, autism’s effect on the hippocampus has been heavily understudied. Since the hippocampus is not commonly referred to as the brain region affected by autism, the importance of the hippocampus in ASD may have been unrecognized. While ASD hippocampi have been very narrowly researched (only size and shape), there is compelling evidence that the hippocampus could be another part …

Exploring Speech Experiences, Cpib Scores, And Aac Assessment Experiences Of Autistic Aac Users With Intermittent, Unreliable, Insufficient, And/Or Expensive Speech, Karina Rayl, Pang Lee Herr, Brandon Eddy, Amy Donaldson, Stephanie Fuller, Alyssa Zisk

Student Research Symposium

There is growing evidence from the perspectives of speaking autistic people that augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) supports their self-expression and communicative agency. Despite the evidence supporting the communication effectiveness of AAC, autistic adults have reported that professionals often prioritized speech as the ideal communicative method rather than offering AAC as a communication option. This study will investigate autistic adults’ AAC assessment experiences and explore whether a modified version of the Communication Participation Item Bank (CPIB) self-rating questionnaire could be an effective tool to document the internal states of intermittent, unreliable, insufficient, and/or expensive speech. Surveys will be distributed to …

Feesability Of Laryngeal Endoscopy Simulation Labs In Student Training: A Scoping Review, Anna Thut

Student Research Symposium

Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) involves passing a flexible endoscope through the nose and down the throat to provide a detailed view of the throat, airway, and vocal folds. With the scope in place, people can eat and drink, allowing the clinician to evaluate for safe swallowing. Speech-Language Pathologists (SLP) use FEES for diagnostic evaluation and to gauge therapy progress and effectiveness. Simulation training on a low or high-fidelity model may provide a bridge for SLP graduate students to gain competency before being introduced to FEES in a clinical setting. This review aims to gather evidence on the use …

Respiratory-Swallowing Coordination In Motor Neuron Disease: A Scoping Review, Mariam Z. Mansoor

Student Research Symposium

Respiratory-swallowing coordination (RSC) is essential for providing efficient breathing and optimal swallowing function. Most commonly used methods of measuring RSC include nasal thermistry, and respiratory inductance plethysmography (RIP) to determine direction and durations of airflow. Outcome measures include swallow apnea duration (SAD) and respiratory phase pattern (RPP), i.e., direction of airflow pre- and post-SAD. The goal of the current project was to conduct a scoping literature review of RSC, focusing on the motor neuron disease (MND) population, including people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). A multi-engine literature search was conducted in 2023-24 via PubMed and Google Scholar. No limitations were …