First Advisor

Stoody, Tina M.

Second Advisor

Bright, Kathryn E.

Degree Name

Doctor of Audiology

Document Type

Capstone

Date Created

8-2017

Department

College of Natural and Health Sciences, Communication Sciences and Disorders, CSD Student Work

Abstract

The purpose of this capstone research project was to gain a better understanding of audiologists’ practices and procedures related to vestibular assessment. Secondarily, it was of interest to determine what training and education is received by audiologists who perform vestibular testing. This study was developed to determine if variability exists, and if there are factors such as years of experience, work setting, education, geographical location that may relate to any variabilities found. Participants surveyed were active members of the American Academy of Audiology (AAA) as contact information was obtained from the electronic member directory on the AAA website. Using Qualtrics, a survey was created and distributed via email to 825 potential participants. Of those, 144 responses were collected (17.5% response rate). The survey data was organized into six sections: General/Demographics, Training, Screening, Assessment, Rehabilitation, and Vestibular Testing in Children. Descriptive analyses revealed large variability in vestibular practices among audiologists. Specifically, responses to questions regarding assessment protocols and rehabilitation methods were quite variable with respect to vascular screening prior to testing, order of testing, re-calibration during testing, and modifications to the physical maneuvers for vestibular rehabilitation. In the absence of universal guidelines and standards, students, educators, and professionals may utilize these survey results as an informative tool regarding current practices in vestibular audiology.

Extent

216 pages

Local Identifiers

LingenCapstone2017

Rights Statement

Copyright is held by the author.

Digital Origin

Born digital

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