Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences Applied Learning

Applied Learning

We provide exceptional opportunities for research and collaboration with faculty in the Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences Department. Recent professor-student research topics include using optogenetics to study the central auditory pathways; understanding semantic feature processing in adults with stroke-induced aphasia; enhancing the public speaking capabilities of Worcester Art Museum docents using clear speech training; analyzing family responsiveness to children using augmentative and alternative communication; and studying English language learning in internationally adopted children.

We recognize these remarkable student-faculty collaborations at our annual Celebration of Scholarship and Creativity. Recent projects include:

Speech-Language Pathology Therapy Approaches in a Preschool Setting
Teaching Spelling to Children with Hearing Loss
Biological Calibration in Clinical Audiology
Hearing Conservation for Student EMTs and Paramedics
Disproportionate Over-Identification of English Language Learners (ELLs) as Language Impaired
Clear Speech Training for Art Students

WSU Speech-Language-Hearing Center

The WSU Speech-Language-Hearing Center serves those in the greater Worcester community who face a vast array of communication disorders and differences. Through the Center, you’ll have a unique opportunity to synthesize what you’ve learned in your undergraduate classes. If you’re a graduate speech-language pathology student, you will gain practical experience delivering evaluation and intervention services that maximize the communicative competence of clients. These opportunities to observe and be involved in direct patient care will build your confidence and allow you to put your education into action.

Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences Applied Learning Presentations

Tinnitus Treatment Study

Tinnitus, a phantom auditory sensation heard in the ears and/or head, plagues more than 50 million people in the United States with varying severity. This study involves 91 participants and analyzes the efficiency of hearing technology as a treatment for tinnitus during a 45-60 day window. Each participant was surveyed pre- and post-treatment to evaluate patient changes in perception of their tinnitus experience and its impact on daily life.

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Multicultural Sensitivity Education in Hearing Health Care

Hearing health care professionals (HHPs) serve patients with diverse backgrounds, yet there is no formal multicultural training within the field. We interviewed 20 HHPs with various experiences with multiculturalism. While 95 percent of HHPs believe that multicultural education would improve outcomes, only 21 percent received formal training. A multicultural education program would help HHPs overcome bias, further their education, and build a bridge for better patient care.

Communication Sciences and Disorders is a face-to-face major–there's a lot of engaging and hands-on work.

— Colleen Larson, Communication Sciences and Disorders

The Worcester State University Speech-Language Hearing Clinic provides on-campus practicum for students, and provide clients in the area with free services.

— Lauren Costedio, Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Student

The Worcester State University Speech-Language Hearing Clinic provides on-campus practicum for students, and provide clients in the area with free services.

— Lauren Costedio, Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Student

Recent Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences Research at Worcester State

Speech-Language Pathology Therapy Approaches in a Preschool Setting

This independent study, which involved working with a speech-language pathologist in a preschool, provided an opportunity to study successful therapy sessions. Speech-language pathology therapy was provided to preschool students between three and five years of age.

Faculty Advisor: Susanna Meyer, Ph.D., CCC-A

Teaching Spelling to Children with Hearing Loss

Five students varying in age, degree of hearing loss, first language, and comorbid diagnoses were taught using various visual and tactile modalities dependent on their strengths and challenges.

Faculty Advisor: Susanna Meyer, Ph.D., CCC-A

Biological Calibration in Clinical Audiology

Biological calibration of audiometric equipment is performed weekly to ensure that the equipment is within calibration standards. The pure tone audiometer is checked by determining thresholds and immittance equipment is checked by using a standardized GSI Test Cavity and a tympanogram.

Faculty Advisor: Susanna Meyer, Ph.D., CCC-A

Hearing Conservation for Student EMTs and Paramedics

Sixteen EMT and paramedic students participated in a hearing conservation program, in which they received hearing screenings and completed Knowledge, Attitude and Behavior (KAB) Questionnaires before and after the program.

Faculty Advisor: Susanna Meyer, Ph.D., CCC-A

Disproportionate Over-Identification of English Language Learners (ELLs) as Language Impaired

Since English Language Learners (ELLs) are over-identified as language impaired when they may instead have a language difference and/or delay, this project aims to educate teachers about language delay, difference, and disorder.

Faculty Advisor: Kristina A. Curro, Ph.D.

Clear Speech Training for Art Students

Eight visual arts students participated in a clear speech training program that focused on techniques to improve speech intelligibility for listeners with communication disorders.

Faculty Advisors: Susanna Meyer, Ph.D., CCC-A, Ann Veneziano-Korzec, M.S., CCC-SLP, Linda Larrivee, Ph.D., CCC-SLP

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