This article presents an interview with Dr. Dolores E. Battle, a professor of speech-language pathology and senior advisor to the president for equity and campus diversity at Buffalo State College. She is a former president of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (in 2005) and a very active member of international organizations of both…

The relationship between normal age-related changes and pathological aging is not always clear. Contributing physical, social, and psychological factors need to be considered by speech pathologists and audiologists in diagnosing and treating problems. (SK)

Defines the legitimacy of speech/language pathology and audiology as an academic field of study within a college of liberal arts and sciences. (PD)

This paper examines the case for modality specificity as a criterion for improving the specificity of diagnosing central auditory processing disorders. Demonstrating the modality-specific nature of sensory processing deficits is seen as one way to rule out nonperceptual factors as explanations for observed dysfunction. (Author)

Purpose: This commentary is written in response to a companion paper by Nan Bernstein Ratner ("Evidence-Based Practice: An Examination of its Ramifications for the Practice of Speech-Language Pathology"). Method: The comments reflect my experience as Vice President for Research and Technology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association…

The article examines reasons for the lack of research being conducted by speech-language pathologists and audiologists in the public schools and points out advantages of that setting as a research site. (Author)

Introduces six articles which address treatment outcomes and efficacy in audiology and speech-language pathology in the schools. Stresses the importance of practitioners participating in studies of treatment outcomes and efficacy to demonstrate that their evaluations and treatments make a significant difference to individuals served. (DB)

Two audiologists discuss the measurement of hearing aid benefits by means of the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB). They also report on numbers of listening problems identified using the APHAB subscales, and identify areas where further benefits are more and less likely. (DB)

A professional with hearing impairments recounts his experiences with educational and rehabilitative services and addresses topics raised in this special focus issue. These include the value of interdisciplinary approaches to rehabilitation, the importance of self-help, implementation of professional standards and legislative mandates, student…

A set of linguistic information gathering tools is proposed to enhance audiological counseling approaches. A case study of a hearing impaired young woman who rejected hearing aids is presented to illustrate the concepts and methods explained. (Author/DB)

The article argues that the time has come to change California's 1960 Master Plan for higher education by permitting the California State University (CSU) to award the doctorate in selected professional programs. The article also addresses the inadequacies of the joint doctorate as the means to remedy degree or credential creep; the CSU's focus on…

Issues pertaining to parental counseling within a pediatric audiologic practice are considered. Journal Availability: See EC 152 480. (SEW)

The origins and nature of auditory dysfunction in school age children and the role of the audiologist in the evaluation of the learning disabled child are reviewed. Specific structures and mechanisms responsible for the reception and perception of auditory signals are specified. (Author/SEW)

This article reviews major social, technological, economic, and political trends in the United States and relates this larger perspective to the practices of speech language pathologists and audiologists in the schools. Implications of these trends for alternative futures are drawn. (Author/DB)

Speech and language disorder is seen as a characteristic feature in most of the areas of exceptionalities identified as the hearing impaired, the visually impaired, the mentally retarded, the physically handicapped, and learning disabilities. Commonalities of speech pathology/audiology and special education are discussed. (MLW)