Academic Training of Audiology Graduate Students in Vestibular Evaluation and Balance Assessment Procedures

Abstract

The aim of this study was to obtain information regarding the vestibular evaluation and balance assessment coursework and clinical practicum of audiology graduate training programs across the United States. The students' anticipated competency levels for performing various vestibular/balance procedures, along with their anticipated confidence levels in interpreting the tests, were reviewed. A database of audiology graduate programs was constructed to present information regarding the course/lab components and to provide a central location for information. Method: Audiology doctoral programs approved by the Council on Academic Accreditation were examined by self-report and website curriculum analysis. For the program self-report, professors and/or instructors received an online survey containing questions regarding the vestibular/balance coursework. Respondents were asked for their perceptions of students' assessment skills along with student interest in vestibular/balance subject matter. The academic institutions' departmental/program website, course catalogs, and/or academic handbook were accessed in order to D

Professional Guidelines and Reported Practice of Audiologists Performing Fall Risk Assessment With Older Adults: A Systematic Review

“…One study from the USA, identified that very few audiology doctoral programs incorporated fall risk assessment training into the vestibular and balance coursework, with only 40% of the students reporting hands on experience with fall risk assessments (Callahan et al, 2013). This finding corresponds with findings in a later dissertation which revealed that only 19% of audiologists felt their university coursework prepared them to conduct fall-risk assessment measures (Bassett, 2018).…”

“…Several authors have expressed the sentiment that there is a need for further training in fall-risk practice through improved graduate coursework or continuing education credits (Bassett & Honaker, 2016;Callahan et al, 2013;Criter & Honaker, 2017), with the suggestion that it should perhaps be introduced at the same time hearing assessment is being taught and practiced (Jedlicka, 2020).…”

“…2020) and McCaslin (2013)'s opinion, many graduate programs primarily focus on the diagnostic assessment of the peripheral and central vestibular system and minimal emphasis is given to the assessment of whole-body fall risk factors and functional balance of elderly audiology patients Callahan et al (2013). further examined audiology doctoral programs in the USA and also identified that professors and instructors rarely reported fall risk assessment as being a component which was focused on in clinical practicals.…”

Academic Training in Vestibular and Balance Function Testing Does Not Ensure Audiologists Will Be the Preferred Providers

“…ecently, I stumbled over an article that was published in Contemporary Issues in Communication Science and Disorders titled, "Academic training of audiology graduate students in vestibular evaluation and balance assessment procedures." The article was written by Callahan et al (2013) and represented the result of a survey conducted by the investigators describing, in some detail, the level of preparation of students graduating from Au.D. programs.…”