Speech Pathology and Audiology Commons^™

Hidden Word Treasure Hunt: Design Of Dyslexia Game-Based Intervention, Olivia N. Epp

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

For this creative project, a literacy intervention board game entitled Hidden Word Treasure Hunt was designed for elementary students with dyslexia. Developmental Dyslexia is a neurodevelopmental learning disability which causes reading and writing difficulties. The goal of the intervention is to provide a fun and engaging way for students with dyslexia to practice skills like spelling, phonemic awareness, rhyming, and more. The game includes multiple choice question cards (treasure cards) and challenge spelling cards (key cards), and the student also has the opportunity to practice spelling the words with a whiteboard and marker. The student and SLP can play their …

Evidence-Based Practice In Speech-Language Pathology: Creating Effective Therapy Materials, Avalee Dunkley

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

Evidence-based practice is a fairly new topic in speech-language pathology, gaining traction among professionals in the field in the last twenty years. Evidence-based practice is the integration of high-quality research, patient cultural and social values, and clinician expertise to treat a patient. Patients are more likely to progress when these three factors are combined. This paper explores four areas of speech-language pathology that are commonly treated in school-aged children: speech sound disorders, language disorders, social communication disorders, and the use of augmentative and alternative communication. Each section gives a summary of the disorder and how the disorder can be treated …

Enhancing Gender Congruence And Life Satisfaction In The Borderland Through Gender-Affirming Communication Services, Kimberley Ramirez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Transgender individuals frequently encounter barriers to accessing gender-affirming healthcare, particularly within marginalized borderland communities. Communication-based gender affirmation, including voice therapy and nonverbal communication training, remains an underexplored yet essential component of transgender health and psychosocial well-being. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of gender-affirming communication services on voice-gender congruence and life satisfaction among transgender individuals living in the U.S.-Mexico borderland region. A single-subject experimental design (ABAB) was implemented with six participants initially enrolled in the study. Four participants completed all intervention phases and were included in final analysis. Intervention consisted of individualized gender-affirming communication services targeting …

Experiences Of Hispanic/Latine Graduate Students In Unco’S Audiology And Speech-Language Pathology Programs Within A Hispanic-Serving Institution Context: Qualitative Thematic Analysis From A Moderated Focus Group, Ashley Fuhrman

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Existing literature has examined workforce diversity in healthcare as a factor that may shape patient rapport and the delivery of culturally responsive, patient-centered care. Given the increasing demand for audiologists (AuDs) and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) with diverse and multilingual backgrounds, it is important to understand how graduate programs prepare students to serve linguistically and culturally diverse populations. This qualitative study examines the experiences of Hispanic/Latine graduate students in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) at the University of Northern Colorado (UNC), a recently designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI). The study explores students’ perceptions of training, support, and experiences in serving diverse populations. …

Interprofessional Palliative Care: Implementation Of What Matters Most, Nicole Moran, Madeleine A. Keppel, Madison E. Markey, Alicia Naccarato, Kristen Cumming, Lori Boright

Oncology Rehabilitation in Practice

Palliative care (PC) is defined as specialized care plans for people with serious, life-limiting illnesses, emphasizing comfort care and management of complex symptoms. Rehabilitation professionals such as physical and occupational therapists have unique skills and perspectives towards managing and contributing to this population though are often under-represented on interprofessional palliative care teams. The Guide to What Matters (The Guide) was created upon recognition of the need for an increased presence of rehabilitation services in PC.

Coordinated Telehealth For People With Parkinson’S Disease: A Qualitative Comparison Of Providers’ And Patients’ Experiences, Erin J. Bush, Reshmi L. Singh, Josephine Cox, Merrill R. Landers, Annalisa V. Piccorelli

The Qualitative Report

Telehealth increases access to allied healthcare in rural areas. People with Parkinson’s disease (PD) need improved access to health care, and from a patient-centered perspective, the coordination of their healthcare should be a priority. Four speech-language pathologists, two physical therapists, two pharmacists, and two study coordinators provided a coordinated allied healthcare intervention for people with PD in rural Wyoming and Nevada. Both the providers of the intervention, as well as the participants who received it, were interviewed about their experiences with the eight-week intervention and asked about aspects that were successful or unsuccessful. Through a naturalistic paradigm using a qualitative …

Memory Processes In Older Adults With Hearling, Camryn L. Kirkham

AuD Capstone Projects - Communication Sciences and Disorders

Emerging research has shown links between hearing loss in older adults and memory declines; however, findings remain mixed. The present study examined differences in memory performance between older adults with hearing loss and normal-hearing peers, as well as associations between hearing ability and memory. An exploratory analysis of associations between high-frequency hearing ability and memory performance was also conducted. Participants included 38 older adults with hearing loss (n=20) and normal hearing (n=18) who completed audiologic testing and memory tasks assessing working, semantic, and episodic memory. Contrary to expectations, no significant group differences in memory performance were observed between the hearing …

Evaluative Trialing: A Grounded Theory Of Preservice Speech-Language Pathologists’ Learning Processes With Speech-Generating Devices, Elizabeth M. Leatherman, Stacy Gasvoda, Jane R. Wegner, Nancy C. Brady

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

Although preservice SLPs are required to receive training in AAC as part of their preparation, there is limited understanding of what teaching and learning methods are effective in developing preservice SLPs’ competence in this area, including their competence with AAC systems. This study explored how preservice SLPs engage in hands-on learning experiences with a speech-generating device (SGD). Fifteen undergraduate students majoring in speech-language-hearing completed a brief online introductory module on AAC and then engaged in a think-aloud task with an SGD. Qualitative analysis was used to develop grounded theory that explained students’ hands-on learning process. The emerging theory revealed a …

From Stories To Speech: Cultivating Cultural Competence And Linguistic Awareness In Future Slps, Alexis Lawton

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

This manuscript reports on a pilot study examining how storytelling and linguistic diversity may cultivate cultural competence in graduate students in speech-language pathology (SLP). Through engagement with traditional folk tales, students explored the cultural significance of narratives and the linguistic features that shape them. The assignment emphasized adapting stories for diverse audiences while highlighting culturally relevant vocabulary, dialectal variations, and the complexities of language use. Facilitated discussions following student presentations prompted reflections on how these elements influence communication and understanding. Preliminary findings suggest that narrative exploration can foster both cultural and linguistic awareness, equipping students with emerging skills to provide …

Benefits And Barriers: Csd Faculty Attitudes Toward Student Accommodations, Erika Squires, Lori A. Pakulski, Celeste Domsch

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

Purpose: Academic accommodations in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) have been explored via university websites and surveys of clinical educators, but little is known about CSD faculty attitudes toward accommodations in higher education. This study explored the types of accommodations faculty report and the benefits and barriers they encounter in doing so.

Method: A cross-sectional, mixed-methods study design was used to survey CSD faculty and instructors about the types of accommodations used by CSD students and the benefits and barriers associated with accommodations. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize participants’ responses. Qualitative analyses were used to identify themes on benefits …

Manual Audiometry Vs. Iphone Hearing Test: A Comparative Analysis Of Hearing Screening Results, Kelsi White, Mckayla Sprague, Jennifer Sadler, Blake Roth

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

This study examined differences in hearing screening outcomes between manual audiometry and the iPhone Hearing Test using Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) among 30 adults. Participants completed pure-tone threshold screenings at frequencies ranging from 250 Hz to 8000 Hz in a sound-treated audiology suite. Manual audiometry followed a modified Hughson-Westlake procedure, while the automated test used Apple’s standardized protocol. After both screenings, participants reported perceptions of accuracy, convenience, and preference through a questionnaire. Results from the screenings and surveys provided insight into participant trust, perceived reliability, and the practicality of smartphone-based hearing tests compared to traditional methods. Findings highlight the …

Exploring Perspectives Of Autistic Individuals And Caregivers On Autism Inclusive Services In Public Libraries, Ayva J. Rose

LSU Master's Theses

Public libraries are increasingly recognized as important community hubs designed to promote literacy, learning, language, family engagement, and inclusivity. Despite this, autistic individuals may experience language, literacy, sensory, and social differences that could impact their ability to participate in literacy-based programming in libraries. Librarians currently report a desire to provide services that not only include but meaningfully support autistic children in their families; however, little research has examined how key stakeholders within the autism community perceive autism-inclusive programming within libraries. This research seeks to explore these perspectives and identify (1) perceived barriers to attending children’s library programs, (2) accommodations and …

Can Music-Based Interventions Improve The Prelinguistic Skills Of Young Children On The Autism Spectrum? A Systematic Review, Blythe Serrano

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Many children on the autism spectrum have difficulty developing prelinguistic skills

such as joint attention, purposeful vocalization, and gesture, which are strongly

related to later expressive and receptive language development. This systematic

review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of music-based interventions in

supporting the development of these foundational prelinguistic skills in young

children on the autism spectrum. Five databases were searched, yielding a total of

332 results. Five articles ultimately met criteria for inclusion. Results of these studies

were mixed, with studies in which the intervention was delivered by a professional

rather than a caregiver yielding more positive results. Additional …

Suena Como Nosotros: A Spanish-English Storybook For Growing Voices, Stephanie Czajka

Undergraduate Theses

The purpose of this project is to address the lack of speech therapy resources available to bilingual Spanish-English-speaking children between the ages of four to six. It will target common speech and language difficulties observed in children during the critical language development period, between the ages of four and six. This book will provide an accessible, culturally relevant speech therapy resource that can be used in the comfort of the home. Through the creation of this book, equity in healthcare access will be promoted, and bilingual pride and identity will be supported. The objectives of this project include designing and …

Interprofessional Collaboration: A Functional Vestibular Screening Framework For Children With Hearing Loss, Corinne Marascio

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Introduction: The vestibular system is comprised of five organs located in the inner ear that support balance, coordination, and spatial awareness (Cleveland Clinic, 2024). Due to the proximity of the hearing and vestibular organs, children with hearing loss are at an increased risk for vestibular dysfunction (Cushing & Papsin, 2018; Kelly et al., 2021). Early recognition and treatment of vestibular disorders via vestibular rehabilitation therapy can support healthy development throughout childhood (Monshizadeh et al., 2022; Wrobel et al., 2020). While vestibular assessment falls within the audiological scope of practice, barriers preclude routine screening of vestibular deficits in pediatric patients with …

Noise-Induced Gains: Are You Damaging Your Hearing While You Train?, Taylor Hitschmann, Lillian Beauvais, Blake Roth, Andrew Gannon

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

This study investigated the potential risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) among individuals who listen to music during exercise. Survey data were collected alongside sound intensity measurements to better understand listening behaviors in fitness settings. Results indicated that although most participants reported listening at recommended safe levels, a notable proportion exceeded these thresholds, potentially increasing their risk of NIHL. These findings highlight the importance of monitoring listening habits during workouts. Hearing health professionals are encouraged to enhance public awareness and promote safe listening practices to help reduce the likelihood of long-term auditory damage.

Improvement On Word Memory After Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation In Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries, Jenna Pfeifer, Tyrell Perrigo, Reesa Williams, Qiang Li

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) is a non-invasive neuromodulation treatment technique that has been demonstrated to activate norepinephrinergic areas of the brain supporting neuroplasticity. Research shows that tVNS may enhance cognitive performance such as memory, as it may elicit the release of key neurotransmitters that modulate cognitive performance and memory formation. The current study aims to investigate the effects of tVNS on short-term memory among those with mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI). Preliminary results show that tVNS has a positive impact on short-term memory in participants with mTBI, evidenced by faster reaction time and higher accuracy in the memory tests. …

The Effect Of Cerebral Somatosensory Network Priming On Language Function In Chronic L-Mca Ischemic Stroke: A Companion Case Study, Mandelin E. Wollesen

College of Education and Human Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Chronic aphasia following a left middle cerebral artery (L-MCA) stroke is often associated with limited recovery beyond the acute phase, necessitating interventions that target neuroplastic mechanisms. This study examined the effects of somatosensory pneumotactile stimulation paired with cognitive-linguistic tasks on functional language performance in an individual with chronic aphasia. Using a single-subject pre-post design, the participant completed a 10-week intervention protocol involving repeated pneumotactile stimulation via the GALILEO system combined with language and motor tasks. Outcomes were assessed using standardized measures, discourse-based language samples, oral reading, repetition, and phonemic verbal fluency. Discourse was analyzed using Correct Information Units (CIUs), words …

The Effect Of Articulatory Cues On Phonemic Segmentation, Word Reading, Nonword Reading, And Nonword Spelling: A Clinical Trial, Robyn Becker, Grace T. Clark, Iyad Ghanim, Kaitlyn Verney, Alexis Gallagher

Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

Purpose: Although some studies suggest articulatory cues may help enhance early literacy outcomes, research has yet to isolate their specific contribution to the gains. Framed by the motor theory of speech perception (Liberman & Mattingly, 1985), this study seeks to fill this gap by providing phonemic segmentation training using articulatory cues and comparing reading/spelling outcomes to two different comparison groups to attempt to control for the motivation and attention the articulatory cues may provide.

Method: Twenty-seven typically developing four and five year-olds were seen individually for seven weekly sessions during a typical day in a preschool classroom (NCT06504264). The participants …

Temporally Modulated Acoustic Environment Alters Inferior Colliculus Tonotopy And Improves Neural Gap Encoding In Aged Cba/Caj Mice, Luis Franco-Waite

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) is an omnipresent and progressive decline of hearing that occurs later in life and affects a significant majority of the aged population. While the current accommodations for hearing loss focus on improving comfort and quality of life, they do not address the underlying neural aspects of ARHL. A novel approach for treatment is the augmented acoustic environment (AAE) which utilizes the innate plasticity of the nervous system in response to the external environment. The work presented here documents the research performed on passive noise exposures which target neural aspects in animal models of age-related hearing loss. …