Speech Pathology and Audiology Commons^™

Late Talkers: Maternal Input And Attention Allocation In Mother–Child Dyad Play, Toby B. Mehl

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Late talkers (LT) are two-year-old children with expressive language delays, who do not yet have a lexicon of fifty words, and do not combine words. Maternal child-directed language to these children, termed ‘maternal input’ may influence their language learning. The first aim of this study was to examine the relationship between a child’s language, as measured by expressive vocabulary, and the child-directed speech by the mother of the child. Maternal input to late-talking children was compared to the maternal input presented to two typical language matched groups: an age-matched group of children (AM) and a vocabulary-matched group of children (VM) …

A Survey Study Of Speech-Language Therapists’ Experiences With Teletherapy At The Onset Of The Covid-19 Crisis, Jason A. Rosas

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

The present study aimed to understand how delivering pediatric treatment services via ‘teletherapy’ affected speech-language therapists (SLTs) during the initial outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis in 2020. SLTs reported on their experiences with the change from in-person to remote service delivery via two national surveys distributed at the start of the pandemic between April 2020 and July 2020. To explain SLTs’ survey responses, this dissertation introduced the Professional Adaptation Model (PA Model). The PA Model facilitated evaluation of the SLTs’ professional environment and the psychological constructs of their professional identity believed to influence the transition to speech-language teletherapy. Specifically, …

A Diagnostic Pocket Guide For Audiologists: Outer, Middle, And Inner Ear Disorders And Chronic Diseases, Ashley Andino

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Given the Scope of Practice for Audiologists as outlined by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), the diverse occupational settings audiologists belong to, and the varied multidisciplinary collaboration necessary, audiologists are tasked with needing, at minimum, a baseline understanding of a wide range of disorders. This includes not only otological diseases, but multisystem disorders that affect the auditory system. While an abundance of diagnostic audiological information on various disorders and their impacts are available, there exists a gap in the availability of condensed and accessible diagnostic information for everyday use. The goal of the resulting diagnostic pocket guide is to provide …

Cvemp Frequency Tuning In Adults Aged 60 And Above: A Systematic Review, Kiersten P. Dudman

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Objective: This systematic review aims to evaluate if there is a significant difference in the frequency specificity of cVEMP amplitude responses in the older adult population, and if so how clinical protocols should reflect age related changes in the vestibular system to properly assess for vestibular pathology.

Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted using various databases through the Mina Rees Library of the City University of New York’s Graduate Center. This search identified articles relevant to this systematic review. Inclusion criteria encompassed quantified studies that utilized various frequency tone bursts to elicit VEMP responses among several age groups.

Results: Three …

Monolingual Versus Bilingual Use Of Context To Facilitate Speech Recognition In Background Noise: A Systematic Review, Rachel Abucasis

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Introduction: Previous literature has shown that bilingual listeners face more challenges than monolinguals during speech recognition in adverse listening conditions. As noisy environments degrade the acoustic stimuli and leave the listener with a partial or ambiguous signal to pair to a lexical representation, it is not possible to do so with the acoustic and phonological features alone. Bilinguals consistently use a significant amount of their cognitive resources during the early stages of speech processing, partially due to their need to navigate between the two languages. With exhaustion of most of their cognitive resources, there is limited capacity available to use …

Audiologists' Perspectives On Noise Induced Hearing Loss, Rachael L. Cleary

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Excessive noise has long been established in the literature as a prevalent workplace hazard. The high prevalence of occupational noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) has led to high economic costs and has produced many physical and mental health effects on workers exposed to occupational noise. Standards set by OSHA are implemented in the workplace in order to protect employees. Despite these regulations set by OSHA, millions of workers in the United States are still exposed to excessive occupational noise, with limited use of hearing protection. The high prevalence of occupational NIHL and low use of hearing protective devices (HPDs) brings into …

Cochlear Implant Evaluations Of Spanish-Speaking Adults, Mariana Mejia Turnbull

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Background. As the Hispanic population in the U.S. continues to increase, audiologists need valid and reliable speech perception materials in Spanish to be able to offer evidence-based, high quality hearing health care to this population. The purpose of this study was to investigate current trends in CI evaluations of Spanish-speaking adults in clinics around the country, with a specific focus on sentence perception tests (Part 1). An additional goal was to analyze and compare the linguistical content of the Spanish sentence perception tests found to be the most commonly used among clinicians (Part 2).

Methods. A questionnaire was created and …

Lcd 207: Anatomy And Physiology For Speech And Language, Yael Neumann

Open Educational Resources

This course is an introduction to the anatomy and physiology of the respiratory, phonatory, articulatory, resonatory, and nervous systems as they relate to voice, swallowing, speech production and language systems.

Alcohol And Its Long-Term Effects On Hearing Loss: A Systematic Review, Talia Sowalsky

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Objective: To review the literature on potential permanent effects of long-term alcohol consumption on hearing status in adults 40 years of age and older.

Study Design: Systematic review of prospective and retrospective studies; meta-analysis of case-controlled studies.

Methods: One researcher independently reviewed MEDLINE (January 1, 2000-May 1, 2019), CINAHL (January 1, 2000-May 1, 2019), PubMed (January 1, 2000-May 1, 2019), and Web of Science (January 1, 2000-May 1, 2019). A manual reference search was additionally conducted. Randomized controlled trials, prospective cohort studies, consecutive/non-consecutive case series, and retrospective reviews in which a clear definition of hearing loss was stated were included …

Systematic Review: The Effect Of Hearing Aids On Balance And Falls, Natalia Beatriz Pagan-Guadalupe

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Background: The population of individuals 65 years old is increasing and falls are one of the most prevalent causes of disabilities among this population. Recent studies have found association between neural hearing losses and increased risk of falls, suggesting that hearing is an important input that assist visual, proprioceptive and vestibular inputs in maintaining balance. Hearing aids are known to be beneficial to improve access to sound; however, it is very limited the research regarding the effects of amplification on balance and risk of falls.

Objectives: This systematic review intends to gather and analyze all the research available regarding the …

Examining The Effect Of Longstanding Deafness On Health Literacy: A Systematic Review, Sara S. Payami

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Objective: This systematic review aims to evaluate whether deafness has a significant effect on one’s health literacy skills, and, if there is a difference between health literacy of a normal hearing individual compared to that of a Deaf individual. Disparities in health literacy unique to the Deaf experience are identified.

Methods: A comprehensive search the utilizing various peer-reviewed databases was conducted via the City University of New York’s (CUNY) Graduate Center Library to identify relevant studies published after 2009. Inclusion criteria incorporated quantified studies which commented on the health literacy of d/Deaf communities in the U.S. published from 2009 to …

Daily Benefits Of Leader Dogs In Addition To Medical Treatment For Individuals With Usher Syndrome: A Case Study, Samantha H. Zwolan

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Background: Adults with Usher syndrome seeking audiologic rehabilitation and treatment often experience everyday difficulties that are not fully resolved using typical medical treatments. This case study examines the difficulties faced by individuals diagnosed with Usher syndrome in their everyday life, including quality of life, safety, and social issues. Additionally, the non-medical benefits that leader dogs can provide such individuals is also presented.

Method: A thorough literature review was performed to provide background information regarding Usher syndrome and the impact it has on the hearing and vision of affected individuals. A related literature review was performed to examine the role …

The Power Of A Sound Mind: Exploring Meditation And Sound Therapies For Treating The Emotional Impact Of Tinnitus, Sabeena A. Ramnanan

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Tinnitus is described as a sound perceived by an individual that has no external source. Some individuals with tinnitus can habituate to this phantom sound, while others become emotionally disturbed by it. There are several theories which attempt to rationalize the cause of tinnitus, and various treatments which aim to eliminate, mask, or facilitate habituation to one’s tinnitus. Current common treatments include sound therapies and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), either in isolation or in combination with one another. However, not all these treatments aim to address the emotional impact of tinnitus. Novel treatments are emerging, with some attempting to reduce the …

Experience And Satisfaction With Hearing Aid Services Delivered Via Teleaudiology In Adult Populations: A Systematic Review, Shelby Platia

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Objective: The goal of this systematic review is to examine the current literature to look at patient experience and satisfaction with teleaudiology services. Specifically, teleaudiology services that occur at the fitting and/or post-fitting stage of the adult hearing aid patient journey.

Methods: A comprehensive search utilizing PubMed, MEDLINE and EBSCOhost databases were conducted to identify pertinent, peer-reviewed, articles related to the clinical usage or clinical applications of teleaudiology for hearing aid fittings and/or follow-up for adult individuals. Inclusion criteria were studies that are empirical, included quantitative results, articles published in English, peer-reviewed articles; and persons who are 18 …

Optimizing Communication In Palliative And Hospice Care: A Toolkit For Audiologists, Sherry E. Queen

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

The prevalence of hearing loss increases with age, with age-related hearing loss (ARHL) being one of the most prevalent forms of sensory decline in older adults. Hearing loss is often overlooked in medical settings including palliative and hospice care. Screening for hearing loss in these settings is rare as is formal staff training on assessing and managing hearing loss in palliative and hospice care. An evidence-based toolkit for integrating audiologists into end-of-life care protocols is presented. This toolkit was developed to optimize communication in palliative and hospice care for patients, caregivers, audiologists, physicians, and other palliative care staff. Effective communication …

Infant Behavioral Speech Discrimination Procedures: A Systematic Review, Allison L. Mazzella

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Objective: The purpose of this capstone project was to conduct a systematic review of literature relating to two behavioral infant speech discrimination procedures to evaluate their potential clinical utility. The two procedures examined were the Observer-based Psychoacoustic Procedure (OPP) and the Visual Reinforcement of Infant Speech Discrimination (VRISD) method. The methodology utilized and the results obtained are examined for normal hearing infants and infants with hearing loss. The procedures are compared and contrasted in terms of potential clinical feasibility and modifications for potential clinical use are considered.

Methods: A comprehensive search was performed using Pubmed and EBSCO Academic Search Complete …

Encoding And Perception Of Voicing And Aspiration In Native And Non-Native Listeners In Quiet And In Background Noise, Reethee Antony

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

The perception and encoding of voice cues in consonants have been well studied, whereas there has been relatively little research on aspiration. The current study examined the encoding and perception of aspiration and voicing in Hindi, American English, and Tamil listeners when relevant cues were and were not degraded by noise. This study is novel because of the inclusion of aspiration, the language groups, inclusion of noise masking, and inclusion of auditory evoked potentials (in addition to behavioral testing).

The first aim was to determine whether language groups for whom aspiration and/or voicing is phonemically contrastive show better perception and …

Strengthening The Semantic Verb Network In Multilingual People With Aphasia: Within- And Cross-Language Treatment Effects, Aviva Lerman, Mira Goral, Lisa Edmonds, Loraine K. Obler

Publications and Research

In multilingual people, semantic knowledge is predominantly shared across languages.
Providing semantic-focused treatment to people with aphasia has been posited to strengthen
connectivity within association cortices that subserve semantic knowledge. In multilingual people, such treatment should result in within- and cross-language generalisation to all languages, although not equally. We investigated treatment effects in two multilingual participants with aphasia who received verb-based semantic treatment in two pre-stroke highly
proficient languages. We compared within- and cross-language generalisation patterns across languages, finding within- and cross-language generalisation after treatment in the less-impaired, pre-morbidly more-proficient first-acquired language (L1). This observation supports the theory that connectivity …

Aphasia In Multilingual Patients, Mira Goral, Zahra Hejazi

Publications and Research

Purpose of Review

We summarize recent published work concerning assessment and treatment of aphasia in bilingual and multilingual people and review current related models of treatment outcomes. As well, we discuss studies that address the recently debated topic of cognitive processes in bilingual individuals with aphasia, with a focus on the effects of bilingualism on aphasia recovery and its potential protective effects.

Recent Findings

Providing assessment and treatment tools that best serve multilingual individuals with aphasia and unpacking the variables and mechanisms that underlie response to treatment have emerged as goals of several recent studies. Additionally, while findings are still …

Variables And Mechanisms Affecting Response To Language Treatment In Multilingual People With Aphasia, Mira Goral, Aviva Lerman

Publications and Research

Background: Despite substantial literature exploring language treatment effects in multilingual people with aphasia (PWA), inconsistent results reported across studies make it difficult to draw firm conclusions. Methods: We highlight and illustrate variables that have been implicated in effecting cross-language treatment effects in multilingual PWA. Main contribution: We argue that opposing effects of activation and inhibition across languages, influenced by pertinent variables, such as age of language acquisition, patterns of language use, and treatment-related factors, contribute to the complex picture that has emerged from current studies of treatment in multilingual PWA. We propose a new integrated model—Treatment effects in Aphasia in …

Behavioral Outcomes In Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder And Cochlear Implants, Patricia K. Herz

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

The purpose of this literature review was to establish what is currently known about behavioral outcomes of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and cochlear implants (CIs). Sixteen articles were included in this review. The areas investigated were behavioral changes postimplantation, as determined by subjective and objective measures, mode of communication used by children with ASD and CIs, and effects of additional comorbidities on these outcomes. Considerations for CI use for children with ASD include potential hypersensitivity to auditory stimuli, inability to complete performance measures, and markedly slower progress than their typically developing peers. Many of the studies included in …

Maximum Sound Output Levels Of Pediatric Marketed Headphones: The Development Of Healthy Listening Habits In Children, Adrienne L. Ammirati

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Background: In recent years there has been a growing concern regarding the etiology of pediatric hearing loss. Based on cross-sectional studies of data produced by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, the incidence of hearing loss in US adolescents (age 12-19 years) has increased from 14.9 to 19.5% from 1988-2006 (Shargorodsky, Curhan, & Eavey, 2010) (Brooks & Chan, 2017). Many individuals suspect the leading contributor of this to be frequent exposure to unsafe listening conditions (Muchnik, Amir, Shabtai, & Kaplan-Neeman, 2012) (Brookhouser, Wothington, & Kelley, 1992).

Presently there are no government issued regulations on the maximum sound output …

Speech Outcomes And Hearing Preservation In Adults With Hybrid Cochlear Implants: A Systematic Review, Victoria J. Dillon

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Objective: The goal of this review is to systematically review literature in order to investigate the speech recognition and subjective performance outcomes, as well as determine the degree of hearing preservation, in adult hybrid cochlear implant patients through the utilization of electric acoustic stimulation (EAS).

Methods: A comprehensive search, utilizing various peer-reviewed databases, was conducted via the City University of New York’s (CUNY) Graduate Center Library to identify the relevant studies published. Inclusion criteria was studies that involved adult hybrid cochlear implant users which reported speech outcomes and hearing preservation, with performance outcomes obtained at least 12 months’ post-implantation. Studies …

The Perception Of Prosody In English-Speaking Children With Cochlear Implants: A Systematic Review, Grace R. Smith

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Objective: The goal of this paper was to systematically review literature in order to investigate the perception of prosody in English-speaking children with cochlear implants.

Methods: A comprehensive search utilizing various peer-reviewed databases accessible through the City University of New York (CUNY) Graduate Center Library was conducted to identify relevant studies. Inclusion criteria included studies that examined prosody perception in pre-and post-lingually deafened children with cochlear implants. Children who utilized unilateral, bilateral, and bimodal configurations of cochlear implants were therefore included in this search.

Results: 9 studies met the inclusion criteria for this systematic review. The findings …

Primary Care Physician Perceptions Of Hearing Loss And Amplification: A Survey, Sophie Racine

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

The goal of this survey is to determine primary care physicians’ (PCP) views regarding hearing loss and hearing amplification. A questionnaire was created, using TypeForm©. Factors interrogated in the survey included structural aspects of the health care delivery system, presence of stigma among providers regarding hearing amplification, PCPs’ knowledge of hearing loss, the utility of amplification, official recommendations on screening and amplification, costs of hearing aids and risks of untreated hearing loss, and practitioners’ viewpoints and practice behaviors surrounding hearing loss and amplification. The survey instrument is comprised of four domains: 1) demographics, 2) knowledge of hearing loss and amplification, …

A New Method In Subjective Tinnitus Management: The Use Of A Nutraceutical Formulation To Improve Patient Outcomes, Jade Faulkner

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Objective: This project aims to implement an evidence-based clinical practice guideline at the International Hearing Centre (IHC) in Lagos, Nigeria for future research and data collection of their subjective tinnitus management using a nutraceutical formulation called ‘NHANCED Hearing (NH). After learning the IHC had incomplete charting in regard to tinnitus questionnaires pre- and post-administration of the NH formula, this capstone project sought to apply evidence-based guidelines for proper diagnostic evaluations and charting to assist in future research of the NH formula.

Methodology: A review and synthesis of current clinical practice guidelines in the United States, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, …

Cochlear Implantation: Why Vs. Why Not? A Pocket Guide For Non-Cochlear Implant Audiologists, Lauren Mccauley

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

The goal of this guide is to provide audiologists with the insights to patient fears and motivators for cochlear implant uptake to ensure all cochlear implant candidates are identified, counseled, and cared for appropriately. Cochlear implant uptake is low compared to the population of people who may be considered candidates, despite the numerous benefits cochlear implants have been shown to provide to these patients. Hearing loss that remains untreated or undertreated in adults can lead to negative consequences, including poorer quality of life, social isolation, and even increased rates of cognitive decline. It is becoming increasingly important for audiologists to …

Outcomes Of Tinnitus Post-Cochlear Implantation In Adult Populations: A Systematic Review, Evangeline Wong

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

The purpose of this investigation is to conduct a systematic review on the outcomes of tinnitus, in both its characteristics and psychosocial impact, post-cochlear implantation in profound bilateral and single-sided deafness (SSD) adult populations. A longitudinal case study will also be presented to show long-term effects of tinnitus outcomes in a cochlear implant recipient in a clinical setting. The investigation may, in turn, provide information regarding tinnitus in the selection criteria of which ear to implant, considerations in implantation eligibility for patients with bilateral and unilateral severe hearing loss associated with severe tinnitus, and to inform patients about the possible …

Assistive Listening Devices: A Guide, Alexa Brody

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Objective: The purpose of this research was to develop a guide on assistive listening devices (ALDs) describing the various types of ALDs, the basic underlying concepts, their advantages and disadvantages, the instrumentation and its components, and the setup and procedures for specification/evaluation of ALDs in accordance with national standards or guidelines issued by professional organizations in our field. This guide is intended for audiologists, hearing scientists, and audiology and hearing science students.

Method: A thorough review of the previous ALD literature including national and international standards for set-up and installation, specification/evaluation and verification of ALDs; guidelines from professional audiology and …

Development Of An Aba Tool Kit For Audiologists To Increase Hearing Aid Wear Time In Individuals With Autism, Lindsay Brown

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

When working with individuals with the dual-diagnosis of hearing loss and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), audiologists are often faced with unique challenges and must adapt their approach in order to more effectively address the needs of these individuals. Currently, there is only a small body of research focused on the special considerations required for appropriately fitting and utilizing amplification for children with the dual-diagnosis of hearing loss and ASD. Subsequently, recommendations and strategies for clinicians to implement when faced with these common challenges, specifically of hearing aid compliance and appropriate hearing aid wear time, are lacking. It is important to …