ASHA Voices

Amanda Piper is one of just a few audiologists in her home country of Trinidad and Tobago. Inspired by a personal connection, Piper traveled to the U.S. to study audiology, and today, she works as a clinical audiologist for the Trinidad and Tobago Association for the Hearing Impaired.

In recounting her education at UNC Greensboro and Vanderbilt University and career path back to her home country, Piper highlights some of the differences between working inside and outside of the U.S.

This conversation was originally published in July 2022.

How can a blow to the head result in difficulties with hearing and listening?

Audiologist Gail Whitelaw discusses what clinicians may want to consider when assessing or treating a person who's had a brain injury. She tells the story of one patient's long road to hearing care after acquiring a TBI during the Boston Marathon bombing.

Plus, author and researcher Nina Kraus (“Of Sound Mind”) takes us into the brain to reveal what she’s learning about how TBIs can affect the brain’s ability to make sense of the sounds in our lives.

These conversations were originally published in August 2022.

SLP Edythe "Edy" Strand joins the podcast for a conversation on apraxia of speech--the focus of her decades-long career. When it comes to differential diagnosis, the work of SLPs in this area can be challenging, she acknowledges. Hear her discuss its distinguishing characteristics and explain the difference between treating apraxia of speech and other disorders.

Strand also describes how she approaches discussions of this motor speech disorder with families. Plus, with a storied career, she shares memories of patients and experiences that inform her professional life, including the valuable lessons she took from those interactions.

With the arrival of a new student who uses hearing aids and American Sign Language, two University of Memphis audiologists began looking into hearing accessibility in the university setting. On the podcast, Lisa Lucks Mendel and Jennifer Taylor share how they sought creative accommodations in the classroom and the clinic.

Our guests share their personal experiences and address subjects such as accessibility in education, audism, and the strengths that deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) audiologists contribute to the profession.

First, educational audiologist Sarah Sparks relates her story, including what she’s witnessed as a Deaf audiologist empowering clients.

And, audiologist Stacey Lim of Central Michigan University provides her take on what future audiologists may consider when looking for employment.

If clinicians and families aren’t speaking the same language when treating pediatric swallowing disorders, things can get confusing — and dangerous — says today's guest on the podcast.

SLP Laura Brooks discusses her work with the International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative, or IDDSI. The nonprofit has been developing and implementing resources that standardize measurements for thickened liquids and modified foods. Brooks, who treats children with swallowing disorders, discusses cultural considerations in her work with care partners and family members. And she shares what she’s learning from clinicians outside the U.S. through her work with the international nonprofit.

In recognition of Tinnitus Awareness Week, audiologist and tinnitus expert Tricia Scaglione discusses the latest tinnitus research, the potential role of OTC hearing aids in tinnitus management, and what happens when patients with tinnitus read inaccurate information online. Plus, we explore why some people with tinnitus are turning to mindfulness apps and cognitive behavioral therapy.

These conversation were originally published in August 2022.

First, hear from two SLPs in Chicago. This mentor-mentee duo shares lessons and stories from the more than 35 years they’ve known each other.

In the second half of the episode, we hear from two bilingual SLPs. The way they met would have been impossible just a few years ago. Hear what resulted from this international mentorship.

Many people turn to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) when they lose­—or never have—their voice or ability to speak. But today’s guests say AAC should not be viewed only as a last resort.

Autistic advocate endever* corbin (who uses lower-case letters and an asterisk as part of their name) and SLP Amy Donaldson are supporting access for all autistic people—some of whom may choose to use AAC even when communicating orally is an option.

They explain how choosing to use speech and AAC can help autistic people fight burnout and boost self-advocacy.

We’re kicking off 2023 with a replay of some of the podcast’s most memorable moments from the past year. We’ll start with two SLPs who address how their work intersects with high-interest stories: the continued opioid crisis and the increased public attention on aphasia after Bruce Willis announced that the condition has ended his acting career. Plus, in the spirit of new beginnings, we’ll hear the story of two SLPs who made big mid-career moves.