Instructional Tracks

The conference features two (2) tracks - one for SLP professionals and one of audiology professionals.

• Audiology and Hearing Rehabilitation Track
• Speech, Language Pathology Track

---

Audiology and Hearing Rehabilitation Track

Audiologist as Magician – Testing Babies and Young Children

Presenter: Jane R. Madell

As infants are identified at birth, it becomes critical that audiologists develop test protocols for obtaining behavioral thresholds of infants and young children to enable them to confirm ABR test results, to fit amplification, to monitor benefit from technology, to monitor progress, and to make decisions about changing technology as needed. The workshop will assist audiologists in learning techniques for behavioral observation testing of infants using sucking responses to verify hearing thresholds, and discuss tricks for maximizing results with VRA and CPA for typically developing and special populations. Video will be used to teach the skills discussed. Participants will be able to 1) recognize threshold responses obtained using sucking when evaluating infants, 2) analyze the test situation to maximize visual response test results, and 3) identify factors which may interfere with testing children with special needs. Varied information level.

Developing a Speech Perception Protocol for Children

Presenter: Jane R. Madell

Speech perception testing is critical in managing performance for infants and children with hearing loss. While evaluation protocols are fairly well defined for adults, speech perception test protocols for evaluating performance in infants and children are less clear. Clinicians frequently assume that children will not be able to perform on difficult tests so easy tests are select and are administered at loud levels in quiet. To demonstrate performance for infants and children, a speech perception protocol needs to be developed which can assess performance in more difficult listening conditions, at different levels, and using tests with different levels of difficulty. This presentation will discuss development of a speech perception test protocol for young children including a criteria tree for selecting which test to begin with, as well as for determining how to proceed during the evaluation process, determining when to move to more difficult or easier tests. Participants will be able to 1) select appropriate speech perception tests for infants and children of different ages and developmental levels, 2) analyze speech perception test results to make management decisions, and 3) identify factors which may interfere with evaluating speech perception in infants and young children. Varied information level.

Selecting Appropriate Technology: HA’s?, CI?, HA+CI?, FM?

Presenter: Jane R. Madell

Making decisions about appropriate technology is difficult. For children to be successful, their technology needs to provide sufficient auditory access so that they are hearing speech information at normal and soft conversational levels. If they do not, they will have difficulty using audition to learn spoken language. This workshop will provide information about selecting technology, modifying settings of hearing aids and cochlear implants, determining when it is necessary to move from hearing aids to cochlear implants, and will discuss when and how to use FM systems to maximize performance for infants and children. Criteria for making the decision to implant infants and very young children will be discussed. Participants will be able to 1) select appropriate technology and evaluate it’s benefit for infants and children, 2) analyze performance test results to make management decisions, and 3) apply knowledge learned to determine candidacy for cochlear implantation for infants and young children. Varied information level.

Counseling in Audiology: A Whole New World

Presenter: Johnnie Sexton

Audiologists traditionally serve a diagnostic role with patients. This session suggests strategies for use by audiologists in providing counselling environments for whole families. This allows for processing feelings, emotions and thoughts. Taking the role of active listener and facilitator is key in helping families achieve a healthy and happy life. Participants will be able to 1) define the shortcomings of audiologists in the traditional counseling roles, 2) identify new definitions of counseling patients, and 3) apply new counseling strategies in order to allow patients to acknowledge, accept and advocate for their hearing challenges. Basic information level.

Thin and Small – But is That All?

Presenter: Francis Kuk

Today’s micro-sized thin-tube (and wire) fittings have received increased acceptance because of comfort and cosmetic appeal. At the same time, the many variants of this type of fitting have created confusion among dispensing audiologists. In this interactive presentation, we will examine the acoustic effects of open fitting, of using small hearing aids, and of using a thin tube (wire). The various forms of open-ear fitting will be differentiated and the optimum fitting range clarified. Participants will be able to 1) list the output difference between a RIC and a RITE hearing aid. 2) list the differences between a classic and a flex earmold, and 3) list one potential compromise of a micro-size hearing aid. Intermediate information level.

Lessons Learned in Frequency Transposition

Presenter: Francis Kuk

A severe-to-profound high frequency hearing loss may not be aidable with conventional amplification because of the hearing aid’s limited gain/bandwidth and the patient’s potentially “dead” region in the high frequency. Various approaches to reach audibility through frequency lowering were reported. This presentation examines their efficacies and reports on the lessons learned from recent studies. The factors that are important in ensuring the efficacy of this algorithm will be discussed. Participants will be able to 1) list two reasons for Linear Frequency Transposition, 2) articulate the patient population that this technology serves and its realistic benefits, and 3) verify appropriate settings for optimal performance. Intermediate information level.

Consolidation in the Hearing Healthcare Industry

Presenter: Greg Guggisberg

The Hearing Healthcare Industry has changed significantly over the last 50 years. One of the driving forces of that change is consolidation, an economic phenomenon that happens in virtually every industry. Consolidation among hearing aid manufacturers was common for a number of years resulting in the “Big 6’ we see today. More recently the activity has been in distribution. Independent clinics dominate distribution in the US dispensing well over 50% of all hearing aids. Many of these clinics were started in the 1960s and 1970s and remain under original ownership, now reaching retirement age. Meanwhile, many universities are eliminating or scaling down their audiology programs, while many manufacturers and conglomerates are interested in consolidating distribution. These and other factors likely mean the turbulence will continue into the foreseeable future. While unsettling to some, this can present great opportunity for prepared professionals. Participants will be able to 1) identify the causes of industry consolidation and summarize why and where it is happening in the hearing healthcare industry, 2) contemplate how industry developments and transformations impact them as business owners and or professionals, and 3) transform knowledge into a plan that turns potential threat into opportunity. Varied information level.

AAA-NC General Membership Meeting

Presenter: Andrew Fallon, AAA-NC President, 2006-2008

The annual business meeting of the American Academy of Audiology-North Carolina Chapter will include awards, the election of officers, and a discussion of timely issues related to the practice of audiology within the State of North Carolina. It is not necessary to register for the conference in order to attend this business meeting.

---

Speech/Language Pathology Track

You Are So Very Special: Bringing More to the Treatment Room with Specialization

Presenter: Sherry Curtiss

When you hear that someone has achieved a special award or special recognition, there is a little bit of all of us that feels intrigued and maybe a little intimidated because we think we may not be as deserving. I had a young man ask me the other day if I could spend some time with him reviewing how I had received specialty recognition for swallowing through the Division 13 of ASHA. He said that another Board Recognized Swallowing Specialist had told him that specialty recognition was not for him as it was very hard to achieve. I said, “Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaattttttttttttttt!!??” We are all talented and I think it is an asset to our professions to have an opportunity to specialize in the areas that we adore. Is the work and time hard and long to achieve specialization? The answer is, “yes.” However, the learning and time that goes into the work that must be done does nothing but help you become a better professional. I would certainly not suggest that those of us who achieve specialization are superior on any level other than what it gives to the person’s self-confidence. Come to this session to learn more and to determine if specialization in a certain area of our field is right for you. Participants will be able to 1) define what is specialization and how can you achieve it, 2) determine what body governs specialization and how can you find out more, and 3) determine if specialization can improve what you offer to the client. Basic information level.

The ABC’s of Pediatric Swallowing – I’m not just a small adult!

Presenter: Julie Mills and Caley Kuenzel

This session will provide participants with a general understanding of pediatric anatomy and physiology compared to adults. It is designed to provide the SLP with strategies to identify behavioral signs and symptoms of pediatric dysphagia including typical vs. atypical feeding/swallowing patterns. The presentation will include a basic overview of strategies and techniques that will broaden the therapist’s knowledge of pediatric dysphagia. Participants will be able to 1) Understand basic Anatomy and Physiology of the Oral Mechanism from Birth to 24 months, 2) informally assess and differentiate a disorganized vs. dysfunctional suck/swallow pattern, and 3) develop basic treatment strategies that can be used to support safe and successful feeding/swallowing. Basic information level.

Building A Strong Foundation for Academic Success

Presenter: Kathryn Wilson

Research shows a strong relationship between spoken language development and the reading achievement levels needed for academic success. Studies have also shown that children in an Auditory-Verbal approach have the potential to read on a par with their hearing peers. What then, are the factors that contribute to reading achievement and academic success? This presentation will explore the topics of \"read-aloud\" and essential vocabulary development and teaching for children who are deaf or hard of hearing. Participants will be able to 1) Demonstrate knowledge of current research regarding the relationship between spoken language and reading, 2) Identify the stages of \"read-aloud\" and demonstrate knowledge of read-aloud strategies, and 3) Discuss the steps for pre-teaching and identify resources to aid in the development of expressive vocabulary. Varied information level.

Current and Prospective Doctoral Student Forum

Presenter: Jennifer C. Dalton, and Kristin M. Nellenbach

This forum seeks to provide an opportunity for doctoral students in Speech and Hearing Sciences across North Carolina to network and establish a community of practice. Clinicians who would like to explore doctoral study are invited to join the forum. A brief presentation of NC doctoral programs will also be presented. Participants will be able to 1) identify and discuss opportunities for doctoral study in NC, 2) develop a community of practice among current doctoral students and future Speech and Hearing faculty, and 3) establish a network for professional development. Basic information level.

A Motor Learning Guided Approach to Speech Intervention (Part 1)

Presenter: Carlin Hageman

Utilization of the principles of motor learning (Motor Learning Guided: MLG) is common place in the teaching of highly complex and rapid movements. MLG training is especially prevalent in highly skilled endeavors including piloting aircraft and high level competitive sports. However, many believe that the most rapid and skill demanding motor task for humans is speech (See Netsell 1978 among others). The application of MLG to speech intervention will be discussed with particular emphasis on practice schedules, feedback, processing time, task difficulty and the building of practice hierarchies. Participants will be able to 1) identify the concepts underlying the principles of motor learning, 2) compare the variables manipulated in MLG learning to traditional training methods, and 3) apply the principles of motor learning to the building of practice hierarchies. Advanced information level.

Making a Difference with Children Who Stutter. Latest Advances in Treatment

Presenter: Rita Thurman

Recent advances in the treatment of children who stutter will be presented. These procedures will provide information about fluency shaping and stuttering modification techniques. Research in temperament and coexisting conditions such as ADHA and ASD will be discussed. A review of the information provided at the Fluency Leadership conference in June 08 will be included. Participants will be able to 1) understand a variety of therapy procedures including knowledge of the difference between and appropriate techniques to implement stuttering modification and fluency shaping, 2) learn recent developments in medication trials and treating co-existing conditions, and 3) guidelines for discharging children who stutter from treatment. Intermediate information level.

ASHA Systematic Review of Oral Motor Treatment Evidence

Presenter: Heather Clark

The ASHA National Center for Evidence-based Practice has conducted a systematic review of the treatment literature to assess the level of evidence available to support the use of oral motor exercise for improving speech and swallowing function. The systematic review process and its findings will be discussed. Participants will be able to 1) describe the process used in systematic review of the literature, 2) discuss the level of evidence available to support the use of oral motor treatment, and 3) identify a number of resources for evidence-based practice. Intermediate information level.