Communication Sciences and Disorders Commons^™

Understanding Perceptions Of Speech Therapy And Willingness To Continue Seeking Speech Therapy Among Adults Who Stutter, Jaclyn Lucey

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This project investigates factors associated with treatment-seeking behaviors among adults who stutter (AWS). Specifically, we hypothesized that perceptions of previous speech therapy, including satisfaction with therapy and perceived effectiveness would be related to willingness to seek continued speech therapy. Our project was motivated by a widely used theoretical framework of health service use, and it expands on existing ancillary evidence in stuttering research.

To achieve our objective, we used both qualitative and quantitative methods to gain a more holistic understanding of barriers and facilitators to seeking continued speech therapy. Simultaneously, across two studies, we conducted and analyzed semi- structured interviews …

Auditory Sensory Gating: Effects Of Noise, Fan-Yin Cheng, Julia Campbell, Chang Liu

Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

Cortical auditory evoked potentials (CAEPs) indicate that noise degrades auditory neural encoding, causing decreased peak amplitude and increased peak latency. Different types of noise affect CAEP responses, with greater informational masking causing additional degradation. In noisy conditions, attention can improve target signals’ neural encoding, reflected by an increased CAEP amplitude, which may be facilitated through various inhibitory mechanisms at both pre-attentive and attentive levels. While previous research has mainly focused on inhibition effects during attentive auditory processing in noise, the impact of noise on the neural response during the pre-attentive phase remains unclear. Therefore, this preliminary study aimed to assess …

Speech & Language Services: Examining The Experiences Of Deaf / Hard Of Hearing People, Milayna N. Barker

University Honors Theses

The purpose of this study is to examine the experiences of Deaf and Hard of Hearing (HoH) adults and parents of Deaf/HoH children related to speech and language services, and their recommendations for service providers. Historically, professionals have focused on the development of speech and aural/oral skills of Deaf and HoH people. As such, when working with families of newly-identified children with hearing loss, hearing professionals may be ill-equipped to provide culturally-responsive, fully inclusive information and education regarding communication options and opportunities.

Method: This study used a qualitative research design to examine participant experiences related to speech and language services …

The Covid-19 Pandemic & Language Development Of Preschool Children Living In The Arkansas Delta, Molly Grace Williams

Student Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the potential effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on preschool children’s language development. Children from the Arkansas Delta Region were examined to determine the significance. Existing data consisting of BRIGANCE III screeners from the 2019 cohort and 2022 cohort were analyzed. Researchers examined the scores from the screener's language and cognitive/academic sections. BRIGANCE III screeners from 73 three-year-olds were collected from the School of the 21st Century Preschool in Paragould, AR. Data from the screeners analyzed the 2019 and 2022 cohorts. A two-tailed t-test was used to measure the relationship between the eight dependent variables. The results yielded …

Under Pressure: The Interplay Of Hypertension And White Matter Hyperintensities With Cognition In Chronic Stroke Aphasia, Jade Hannan, Natalie Busby, Rebecca Roth, Janina Wilmskoetter, Roger Newman-Norlund Ph.D., Chris Rorden, Leonardo Bonilha, Julius Fridriksson Ph.D.

Faculty Publications

While converging research suggests that increased white matter hyperintensity load is associated with poorer cognition, and the presence of hypertension is associated with increased white matter hyperintensity load, the relationship among hypertension, cognition and white matter hyperintensities is not well understood. We sought to determine the effect of white matter hyperintensity burden on the relationship between hypertension and cognition in individuals with post-stroke aphasia, with the hypothesis that white matter hyperintensity load moderates the relationship between history of hypertension and cognitive function. Health history, Fazekas scores for white matter hyperintensities and Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale Matrix Reasoning subtest scores for …

Quality Of Life Factors In Children With Dual Diagnosis Stuttering And Autism Spectrum Disorder, Kristen N. Rollins

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Addressing quality of life is a critical part of speech-language pathology. Understanding quality of life deficits and challenges in our patients’ lives allows us to provide well-rounded treatment. Quality of life in children who stutter and children with autism spectrum disorder has been heavily researched (children with autism spectrum disorder to a lesser extent). However, despite approximately 1 in 1000 children being dually diagnosed with stuttering and autism spectrum disorder (Briley & Ellis, 2018), quality of life in this population has never been researched. This thesis aims to determine whether children diagnosed with both conditions experience similar quality of life …

The Acceptability Of Relationship-Centered Communication Partner Training For Couples Impacted By Aphasia: A Mixed Methods Pilot Investigation, Kathryn-Anne Pertab, Tyson G. Harmon, Jonathan Sandberg, Jon L. Pertab, William S. Evans

Faculty Publications

Purpose: This study explored the acceptability and impact of Relationship-Centered Communication Partner Training (RC-CPT) in couples impacted by aphasia. In particular, couples considered whether discussing their relationship roles and responsibilities was important and relevant to the changes they desire. Preliminary quasi-experimental data regarding perceived communication confidence and the marriage relationship were also obtained.

Method: Three couples participated in RC-CPT across two sessions. Surveys were used to measure communication confidence and the marital relationship before and after participation in RC-CPT. The quantitative findings were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Couples also participated in a semi-structured interview about the acceptability of RC-CPT, during …

How To Get Started With Sotl: Reflections From A Novice Sotl Researcher, Janine L. Schmedding-Bartley

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

The purpose of this paper is to provide a reflection on successfully engaging in the scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL) after overcoming common barriers to engagement in SoTL. The author identifies barriers commonly experienced by scholars interested in engaging in SoTL. The author identified a variety of frameworks in the literature that were reported to be helpful in assisting novice SoTL scholars in overcoming barriers related to research question formation. An example is shared to demonstrate how the complementary frameworks can be used to develop answerable research questions.

Finding My Path: Transitioning From Clinician To Professor, Jordan Tinsley

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

This manuscript is a reflection on the author’s transition from practicing as a clinical speech-language pathologist (SLP) to entering the academic arena as a clinical assistant professor. The author considers various steps that may be supportive of the transition from clinical practice to academia for SLPs without a research degree (i.e., Ph.D.). Lessons learned throughout the job transition process are shared to illuminate the path for SLPs who are curious entering a university setting. Additionally, the author’s experience in the TLCSD SoTL Fellows Program is discussed.

Qualitative Inquiry: The Case For The Importance Of Considering Student Perspectives In Sotl Research, Aleah S. Brock

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

Quantitative methods are often viewed as superior to qualitative methods for clinical research in communication sciences and disorders; however, quantitative methods are unable to answer questions of why or how. Qualitative methodology can be used to address research questions that seek to understand human perspectives. In Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) research, qualitative research can be used to understand student experiences and perspectives. The merit of the application of qualitative methodology in SoTL research is explored here.

Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Students’ Experiences With The Use Of Case-Based Learning To Develop Skills For Evidence-Based Practice, Aleah S. Brock

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

The American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) states that practitioners should use the principles of evidence-based practice (EBP) for clinical decision making. However, speech-language pathologists (SLPs) often report a lack of understanding, time, and resources to implement EBP. Clinicians who were exposed to EBP training during their graduate program or clinical fellowship are more likely to use EBP in their clinical practice; therefore, graduate programs in SLP must provide explicit EBP training to upcoming clinicians. At present, no consensus exists on the best way to train students in the principles of EBP. The present study sought to investigate student experiences and …

Establishing A Scholarship Of Teaching And Learning Fellows Program, Jennifer Friberg, Mark Deruiter

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences and Disorders established a scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL) Fellows program in 2022. The SoTL Fellows program engaged with five different mentored projects over the course of one year. Fellows were invited to submit manuscripts regarding their reflections on SoTL, as well as their original research, for this issue of TLCSD.

Postural Control In Adults With Age-Related Hearing Loss, Elizabeth Tobener

Alternative Theses and Dissertations (AETDs)

The present study investigated postural control measures in adults with age-related hearing loss (ARHL). Individuals between the age of 50 and 70 were recruited (10 with normal hearing, 32 with ARHL) and evaluated using pure-tone audiometry, vestibular function assessments, and postural control measures. Results of this study revealed significant correlations between ARHL and cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMPs) and ocular VEMPs. As ARHL increased, amplitude of cervical VEMPs and ocular VEMPs decreased. There were no significant correlations for ARHL and video head impulse test (vHIT) gain. Single leg stance with head tilt was significantly associated with ARHL. As ARHL …

Representation Of Nouns And Verbs During Play Between Caregivers And Children With Developmental Language Disorder, Alaina Grissom

Alternative Theses and Dissertations (AETDs)

Purpose. This project compared how children and caregivers use gestures and objects to contribute to the representation of nouns and verbs during play interactions between children with developmental language disorder (DLD) and their caregivers. Observations were used to determine if there was any differentiation in how children or caregivers used gestures and/or objects when nouns and verbs were presented within the play context.

Methods. Observations of parent-child dyads were recorded at a local children’s museum. All dyads included children with DLD between four and six years of age. The child and caregiver’s use of gestures and objects within the interaction …

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. …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …