CICSD Journal - Volume 35, Fall 2008

*NSSLHA members can download the full-text versions of these articles in the "Members" section of our site.

  1. Counseling Issues in Audiologic Rehabilitation
  2. Advances in Hearing Aid Technology
  3. Recent Advances in Cochlear Implants
  4. Trends in Classroom Amplification
  5. Teaching Deaf Children to Talk
  6. Intervention Approaches for Individuals With (Central) Auditory Processing Disorder
  7. Audiologic Rehabilitation and Speech-Language Therapy for Prelingually Deaf Young Adults
  8. Adult Audiologic Rehabilitation: A Review of Contemporary Practices
  9. Book Review of Technology for Communication and Cognitive Treatment: The Clinician's Guide

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1. Counseling Issues in Audiologic Rehabilitation
Kristina M. English
The University of Akron in Akron, Ohio

Abstract: The effectiveness of audiologic rehabilitation has always been contingent on the audiologist's counseling skills. Our understanding of counseling has deepened and broadened in the last decade, and is now a required course for virtually all audiology doctorate (AuD) programs. This article describes two aspects of this complex topic: understanding our clients as they adjust to change, and counseling strategies designed to help clients through the "help-seeking process." We conclude with some suggestions on how students and clinicians can obtain feedback on their counseling skills, recognizing that "learning to counsel" is a lifelong endeavor.

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2. Advances in Hearing Aid Technology
Jessica Kerckhoff
Jennifer Listenberger
Michael Valente
Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 

Abstract: Digital signal processing (DSP) has provided significant advances and improvements in hearing aid technology. These advances, and the increased processing speed that DSP offers, have resulted in improved and expanded features in current hearing aid technology. These advances have also served to expand the fitting range of amplification for patients who previously could not benefit from amplification. This article reviews the advances and supporting research in specific hearing aid features, devices, and assistive technology developments that allow a greater number of patients access to amplification. These features and devices include directional microphones, Bluetooth and other wireless technology, digital noise reduction, devices for patients with single-sided deafness, frequency transposition, self-learning and adaptation managers, and integrated real ear measures. Despite the changes in hearing aids created by DSP, limitations still exist. Additionally, peer-reviewed research is not yet available to support the reported benefits of some of these advances.

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3. Recent Advances in Cochlear Implants
Teresa A. Zwolan
University of Michigan Cochlear Implant Program, Ann Arbor, Michigan 

Abstract: Over the years, numerous technological advances have taken place in regard to the internal and external components of cochlear implant systems. Such advances include improvements in receiver and electrode design and placement, improvements in external component technology that have brought about downsizing and increased efficiency of externally worn speech processors, and improvements in surgical techniques that have resulted in decreased damage to the cochlea following electrode insertion. These advances have resulted in changes in candidacy criteria over time and improved outcomes for adults and children who receive cochlear implants. This article will provide a brief overview of some of the changes and technological advances that have taken place in the field of cochlear implants since they were first introduced.

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4. Trends in Classroom Amplification
Dawna E. Lewis
Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, Nebraska 

Abstract: Advances in hearing instrument and frequency-modulated (FM) technology provide audiologists and families with many choices when selecting classroom amplification. An understanding of the benefits and limitations of amplification options, as well as an understanding of current fitting and verification procedures, is important for audiologists who recommend and fit these devices. This article will address two of the most commonly used options in classroom amplification: individual FM systems and sound-field systems (FM and infrared). Device options and procedures for fitting and follow-up will be discussed. 

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5. Teaching Deaf Children to Talk
Jean S. Moog
Karen K. Stein
Moog Center for Deaf Education, St. Louis, Missouri 

Abstract: Changes in the treatment of early childhood hearing loss have had a significant impact on the practice of deaf education. The combination of earlier diagnosis and intervention and improved access to sound have made it possible for deaf children to develop speech and language skills that approach those of their hearing age-mates. This article describes a model intervention program at the Moog Center in St. Louis, Missouri where children and families get an early start, have the benefit of the most up-to-date hearing technology, and receive intensive instruction that is focused on learning to talk. Data from 2 recent studies indicate that a majority of these students develop age-appropriate spoken language by 5 years of age.

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6. Intervention Approaches for Individuals With (Central) Auditory Processing Disorder
Teri James Bellis
Ashley M. Anzalone
The University of South Dakota, Vermillion, South Dakota 

Abstract: In recent years, the treatment and management of (central) auditory processing disorder, or (C)APD, have received increasing focus in the audiology and speech-language pathology literature. Although the diagnosis of (C)APD falls within the scope of practice of the audiologist, intervention for the disorder requires a multidisciplinary team endeavor. This article provides an overview of the definition and diagnosis of (C)APD as they apply to intervention for the disorder. Also discussed are general principles that should be employed when designing deficit-specific intervention plans for children and adults with (C)APD. Three case studies are presented that illustrate the application of the intervention principles discussed and provide guidance regarding the selection of appropriate, deficit-specific environmental modifications, compensatory strategies, and targeted auditory training activities.

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7. Audiologic Rehabilitation and Speech-Language Therapy for Prelingually Deaf Young Adults
Catherine Clark
Michael Dowling
Donald Sims
National Technical Institute for the Deaf at Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, New York 

Abstract: Aural rehabilitation and speech-language therapy is described for severe-to-profoundly deaf, college-age students. Students in therapy are often cochlear implant users and are quite variable in spoken communication skills. Individual therapy rationale, techniques, materials, and computer resources are illustrated by 2 audiologists and a speech-language pathologist whose work is collaborative. An illustrative case history is provided.

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8. Adult Audiologic Rehabilitation: A Review of Contemporary Practices
Patricia McCarthy
Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
Nathan Schau
Sonus Hearing Care–Evanston, Evanston, Illinois 

Abstract: The contemporary practice of adult audiologic rehabilitation is client centered, individualized, and efficient. Audiologists recognize that audiologic rehabilitation is vital but also acknowledge the economic realities of cost-oriented hearing health care. Time is money, so rehabilitation protocols must accommodate the fast pace of today's clinical practices. In this article, current rehabilitative strategies surrounding the adult hearing aid fitting are reviewed, including clear speech, hearing aid follow-up groups, auditory training, lipreading, self-assessment tools, and treatment outcome measurement. These strategies, although not new, are discussed in a 21st-century context to allow practical approaches to providing rehabilitative treatment to adults with hearing loss and their family members and/or significant others.

 

9. Book Review of Technology for Communication and Cognitive Treatment: The Clinician's Guide
Renee L. Fabus

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