Doctorate in Audiology (Au.D.)

The purpose of the Doctor of Audiology degree is to train competent audiologists that are capable of providing compassionate and state-of-the-art clinical services to the community. The doctoral academic and clinical curriculum in audiology includes instruction in the areas of (a) foundations of audiology practice, (b) prevention and identification, (c) evaluation, and (d) treatment, as described below. Learning Outcomes Normal aspects of auditory physiology and behavior over the life span Interaction and interdependence of speech, language, and hearing in the discipline of human communication sciences and disorders Anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology and embryology, and development of the auditory and vestibular systems Principles, methods, and applications of psychoacoustics Effects of chemical agents on the auditory and vestibular systems Instrumentation and bioelectrical safety issues Infectious/contagious diseases and universal precautions Physical characteristics and measurement of acoustic stimuli Physical characteristics and measurement of electric and other nonacoustic stimuli Principles and practices of research, including experimental design, evidence-based practice, statistical methods, and application to clinical populations Medical/surgical procedures for treatment of disorders affecting auditory and vestibular systems Client/patient characteristics (e.g., age, demographics, cultural and linguistic diversity, medical history and status, cognitive status, and physical and sensory abilities) and how they relate to clinical services Genetic bases of hearing and hearing loss Speech and language characteristics across the life span associated with hearing impairment Development of speech and language production and perception Manual and other communication systems, use of interpreters, and assistive technology Issues of cultural diversity on professional practice Educational, vocational, and social and psychological effects of hearing impairment and their impact on the development of a treatment program Health care and educational delivery systems Professional codes of ethics and credentialing Supervisory processes and procedures Laws, regulations, policies, and management practices relevant to the profession of audiology Interact effectively with patients, families, other appropriate individuals, and professionals Prevent the onset and minimize the development of communication disorders Identify individuals at risk for hearing impairment Apply the principles of evidence-based practice Screen individuals for hearing impairment and activity limitation or participation restriction using clinically appropriate and culturally sensitive screening measures Screen individuals for speech and language impairments and other factors affecting communication function using clinically appropriate and culturally sensitive screening measures Administer hearing conservation programs designed to reduce the effects of noise exposure and of agents that are toxic to the auditory and vestibular systems.