Additional Academic and Clinical Opportunities
in the area of Auditory-Verbal/Cochlear Implants

Our Department offers a program that is perhaps unique across the nation. A limited number of master’s degree students receive specialized training in therapy techniques for individuals having hearing loss and cochlear implants (CIs).

Students pursuing this additional training have the opportunity to participate in a working Cochlear Implant Team by:

• Conducting pre-implant evaluations
• Sitting in on team meetings to determine if a patient is a candidate for an implant
• Scrubbing in and joining our surgeon in the operating room while the device is implanted
• Participating in the programming of the external device (ie., Mapping)
• Participating in AVT and Aural Rehabilitation therapy sessions
• Assisting in support groups for teens and adults with cochlear implants or hearing aids
• Attending monthly meetings involving guest speakers and other specialized events
• Enrolling in specialized coursework on CIs, AVT, and Aural Rehabilitation therapy
• Completing a 10-week internship geared toward children and adults with hearing loss.
  

These select students may even be present to observe a parent see their child respond to sound for the first time. Alternatively, they may be present to see an adult hear their loved ones’ voices for the first time in years.

Students graduate with a Certificate that reflects their additional training and expertise. Further, participation can be a stepping stone for those wanting to pursue international certification in AVT (Cert. AVT®).

Participation in these additional and unique experiences are available to only a small number of new students each year. Those interested should so indicate in the “Goal Statement” portion of their application. Click for more information on AVT, our unique AVT opportunities, and our CI program.