University of South Carolina
Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders
Auditory-Verbal/Cochlear Implant Specialization Track

Our Department offers a program that is perhaps unique across the nation. The Auditory-Verbal Therapy (AVT) track provides Master Degree-seeking speech pathology students specialized training in therapy techniques for individuals having hearing loss and cochlear implants (CIs).

Students accepted into this unique specialization 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®).

Admission into the emphasis track is competitive.  Click for more information on AVT, our unique AVT track, and our CI program.