News and Events

2009-09-27
Professor Judith Widen, Ph.D., from the University of Kansas Medial Center, will join us at the next colloquium to give a lecture entitled "What should we know about pediatric hearing assessment?" Be sure to mark your calendar and attend! You could win a $20 giftcard to Sacks!

Date: Friday, October 9th, 2009
Time: 10:45 - Noon
Location: CDS 15
Flyer:  Widen Talk

Abstract
This presentation will include a summary of what we do know about behavioral hearing assessment of infants (what works and what doe not work, etc) and a discussion of what we do NOT know and probably should.

Prof. Widen received her doctoral degree from the University of Washington and has worked as a professor at the University of Kansas Medical Center since 1989. As a clinical audiologist, her research interests focus on hearing screening and assessment of infants and children. She served on NIDCD and ASHA work groups on early identification of newborn hearing impairment.

ASU is approved by the Continuing Education Board of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) to provide continuing education activities in speech-language pathology and audiology. This program is offered for 0.1 CEU at Intermediate level in Basic Communication Area. ASHA CE provider approval does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products, or clinical procedures.

2009-07-06

The ASU Speech & Hearing Clinic, located on the second floor of Lattie F. Coor Hall on the ASU Tempe main campus, includes a full service hearing clinic and speech-language clinic to ASU faculty, staff, and students as well as to the general public. The Hearing Clinic under the direction of Dr. Ingrid McBride, Doctor of Audiology, offers expert, non-biased, comprehensive research-based audiology services to patients of all ages from infants to senior citizens. A wide range of diagnostic audiological services to assess hearing and balance ability are available as well as rehabilitative services, which include hearing aids, assistive devices and audiologic rehabilitation classes using the most innovative techniques, materials and state-of-the-art equipment.

The Hearing Clinic at ASU recently expanded to include comprehensive cochlear implant services for adults and children and a full service cochlear implant lab. According to Dr. McBride, the clinic can work with any of the three cochlear implant companies, which include Cochlear Corporation, Advanced Bionics, and Med-El and will accept new patients as well as existing cochlear implant recipients. The cochlear implant services include pre-implant candidacy evaluations, post-operative initial stimulation and cochlear implant mapping. Uniquely ASU Hearing Clinic will provide group audiologic rehabilitation sessions for cochlear implant recipients or individuals considering a cochlear implant as a rehabilitative option for their hearing loss.

Since 2004, the ASU Hearing Clinic has offered a very successful audiologic rehabilitation group, primarily for hearing aid users, called Living with Hearing Loss: Problems & Solutions. To date, more than 500 individuals have participated in this group and the clinic continues to offer five groups per year. Although a few cochlear implant recipients have attended and benefited from these groups, the need for an audiologic rehabilitation group focusing on the needs of users of cochlear implants was evident. According to Dr. McBride, "no such group currently exists in the Phoenix metropolitan area and the first group, called Cochlear Implant Solutions, will be offered by the ASU Speech & Hearing Clinic beginning on August 26th, 2009." This 8-week group will meet on Wednesdays in the ASU Speech & Hearing Clinic from 3:30 to 5:30 pm; the clinic plans to offer two groups per semester. Cochlear Implant Solutions will be facilitated by Dr. Ingrid McBride as well as Doctor of Audiology graduate students. Cochlear Implant Solutions, a counseling-based audiologic rehabilitation group, is designed for individuals who are considering a cochlear implant as well as new and experienced cochlear implant users.

Individuals exploring a cochlear implant typically have many questions regarding cochlear implant options, candidacy, device operation, and expectations and they benefit tremendously from meeting and talking with cochlear implant recipients. Cochlear Implant Solutions is also designed for current cochlear implant recipients, both new and experienced, so they can learn additional strategies to use their cochlear implant effectively in order to maximize outcomes.

Simply put, although the technology of cochlear implants today is phenomenal, a cochlear implant alone is not enough to complete the rehabilitation process. Residual hearing deficits remain and users can benefit from training focusing on communication strategies, coping strategies, speech reading, and auditory perception, and gaining knowledge about other technology such as assistive listening devices, including Bluetooth applications. The benefits of participation in group-based audiologic rehabilitation are well documented and include a reduction in self-perceived hearing disability and handicap, improved use of communication strategies and personal adjustment, better use and satisfaction with hearing aids and cochlear implants, increased awareness and utilization of assistive technology, and an improved quality of life due to a reduction in social, emotional, and occupational withdrawal. According to Dr. McBride, group audiologic rehabilitation, such as the existing Living with Hearing Loss: Problems & Solutions and the new Cochlear Implant Solutions, provides an effective and efficient means of improving user satisfaction with amplification systems, and facilitating patients’ adjustment to hearing impairment and the devices they utilize. The new audiological services being offered for cochlear implant patients and those considering a cochlear implant are a complement to the Department of Speech and Hearing Science’s strong cochlear implant research program. Opportunities exist for new and existing cochlear implant users to participate in many of the ongoing cochlear implant research studies.

For more information about the ASU Speech & Hearing Clinic please visit our website at www.shs.asu.edu/clinics or contact us at (480) 965-2373. For more information on the cochlear implant research program at ASU, visit http://cilab.asu.edu.

2009-07-02

Professor Jeanne Wilcox, Department of Speech and Hearing Science and Director of the Infant Child Research Programs (ICRP), was just elected to a Vice President position of the American Speech Hearing and Language Association (ASHA). Professor Wilcox will serve as the Vice President for Academic Affairs in Speech-Language Pathology. ASHA is a 135,000 member organization representing speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and speech, language and hearing scientists. ASHA is the credentialing organization for speech-language pathologists and audiologists.

William Yost, Chair of the Department of Speech and Hearing Science, stated, "Dr. Wilcox is extremely well qualified to lead ASHA initiatives in Academic Affairs in Speech-Language Pathology. She brings years of experience in the field and a broad understanding of speech-language pathology to her new position. It is a richly deserved honor for Dr. Wilcox, and her election brings additional recognition to the strong teaching, research, and clinical programs within the Department of Speech and Hearing Science at ASU."

2009-06-16

It is estimated that hearing loss affects more than 31 million Americans or about 1 in 10 adults and represents the third most chronic condition among older adults. Hearing is vital for effective communication and the social and emotional impact of hearing loss is felt by the entire family. Hearing aids can significantly help to improve the quality of life for individuals with hearing loss but the process of purchasing a hearing aid can be confusing. A recent article in the July 2009 Consumer Reports found that two-thirds of the hearing aids tested were misfit. Consumers need to know what to look for in choosing an audiologist or a hearing aid dispenser to avoid ending up with a hearing aid that is inappropriate for their hearing loss and improperly fitted. Additionally, many individuals are confused by the myriad of options and features and do not know what is best for their particular hearing loss or communication needs. The ASU Speech and Hearing Clinic is offering a free, informational consumer awareness workshop designed to educate consumers on how to purchase a hearing aid and to select a hearing healthcare provider. A series of weekly workshops will be presented on Thursdays from 12:30 pm-2:30pm at the ASU Speech and Hearing Clinic, beginning June 18th. Reservations are required and space is limited. Please call the ASU Speech & Hearing Clinic at 480-965-2373 to register.

2009-06-30

Professor Terry Wiley, recently retired Clinical Professor of Audiology of the Department of Speech and Hearing Science, will receive the Honor of the Association of the American Speech, Language, and Hearing Association (ASHA) at its fall 2009 meeting. The Honor is the highest honor and award given by ASHA.

Dr. Wiley has had a distinguished career at the University of Wisconsin and then Arizona State University. His contributions to the discipline of audiology are numerous as was his work on behalf of ASHA. Dr. Wiley is a well-know scientist and teacher in the audiology and hearing sciences.

William Yost, Chair of the Department of Speech and Hearing Science, stated that, "The Department of Speech and Hearing Science is extremely pleased and honored that Terry Wiley is receiving ASHA's most prestigious award. Professor Wiley was an extremely valuable member of the department. He helped us start the Doctor of Audiology (AuD) program, which under his leadership has become one of the country's best programs. Terry combined teaching, research, and service in a way that few others can match. We were sorry to see him retire from the department and are so very pleased that ASHA is honoring him with this richly deserved award."

2009-04-15
Board-certified Laryngologist & Voice Specialist Leopold K. Yin, M.D., will join us at the next colloquium to give a lecture entitled "Common Voice and Airway Disorders." Be sure to mark your calendar and attend! You could win a $20 giftcard to Sacks!

Date: Wednesday, April 29th, 2009
Time: 12:00 - 1:00pm
Location: Lattie F. Coor Hall, Room L1-84
Flyer:  Yin Talk

Abstract
This lecture will describe the history, diagnostic workup, and treatments of the most common voice disorders. Common airway issues that a speech-language pathologist may encounter in a clinical setting will also be addressed.

Dr. Yin, is a laryngologist who has practiced in Arizona since 2007. As a graduate of Harvard Univ., he received his medical degree at Ohio State Univ. and a fellowship training on voice at Vanderbilt Univ. Dr. Yin was an Assistant Professor at Ohio State Univ. before moving to AZ. His special interests include voice disorders and pediatric ENT.

ASU is approved by the Continuing Education Board of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) to provide continuing education activities in speech-language pathology and audiology. This program is offered for 0.1 CEU at Intermediate level in Basic Communication Area. ASHA CE provider approval does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products, or clinical procedures.

2009-03-28
Distinguished Professor Randy W. Kamphaus will join us at the next colloquium to give a lecture entitled "Universal Screening for Emotional & Behavioral Problems in School." Be sure to mark your calendar and attend! You could win a $20 giftcard to Sacks!

Date: Wednesday, April 13th, 2009
Time: 11:30 - 1:00pm
Location: Lattie F. Coor Hall, Room 191
Flyer:  Kamphaus Talk

Abstract
ACT Early is a longitudinal study of the effectiveness of screening practices for emotional and behavioral problems in school. Year 1 data from 625 children will be presented to compare empirical and theoretical-empirical screeners. Conceptual and practical challenges of school-based screening research will be discussed.

Dr. Kamphaus, is a distinguished professor of Psychology at Georgia State University. He is a Fellow of APA and editor of School Psychology Quarterly. He has authored 12 books and 5 psychological tests. His research deals with behavioral/emotional screening, early intervention and prevention of problems in school children.

ASU is approved by the Continuing Education Board of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) to provide continuing education activities in speech-language pathology and audiology. This program is offered for 0.1 CEU at Intermediate level in Basic Communication Area. ASHA CE provider approval does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products, or clinical procedures.