STF Spotlight: Hearing Assessment Lab
Florida Student University students in the College of Communication and Information pursuing a degree in communication disorders can gain experience and training in the Hearing Assessment Laboratory. As technologies in communication disorders continue to grow, staying ahead of the curve is critical- which the Lab has been able to achieve thanks to the Student Tech Fee.
Isabella Care practicing on Audio CARL, PC: Alexa Lowry
The Lab uses high-quality audiology equipment to perform auditory brainstem response testing. This testing allows students to assess hearing and hearing loss in individuals with intellectual disabilities, those with auditory nerve issues, and young children. However, prior to testing on real humans, students train using CARL simulation heads. This specialized equipment simulates a patient’s ear canal and ear anatomy to help students become familiar with the ear.
“The Hearing Lab has enhanced my learning through hands-on activities. When practicing on a human, you don't want to accidentally hurt them. So, this technology will give you the chance to try out different things that you might not get from a patient, or if you don't have access to patients.” -Isabella Care, Audiology Student
Once the students have trained with the CARL heads, they have the opportunity to perform audiograms on their classmates. An audiogram shows whether a person can hear sounds at different frequencies and is crucial in diagnosing hearing loss. Unlike other programs across the United States, FSU’s Hearing Lab provides a unique experience to undergraduate students, offering one-on-one experience with this type of equipment that other universities don’t offer.
The Hearing Lab changes exposure and experiences for students at FSU. Our students are only undergraduates interested in the field. It opens opportunities for them to have exposure and experience with equipment long before they hit graduate school.
Student Audiology Academy in Guatemala
As part of the Student Audiology Academy, students in the program are selected to attend service trips to Guatemala, where students will evaluate and fit over 200 patients with hearing aids. This trip has been going on for the last 11 years, and Dr. Snowden and her team have no plans on stopping. These trips impact the lab’s impact globally while enabling students to receive clinical audiology experience.
To learn more about the Hearing Lab and how it provides hands-on learning opportunities for speech pathology students, watch this month’s STF spotlight.
