school of health professions 2023 - 2024 Catalog

Doctor of Audiology (AuD)

The Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) education program in audiology (residential) at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.

Program Description

Audiologists assess and treat individuals who are challenged by hearing impairments or balance problems. They test and diagnose hearing and balance disorders, prescribe and dispense hearing aids and assistive listening devices, help prevent hearing loss, and conduct research, among many other professional duties.

The Doctor of Audiology degree is four years of graduate work, three in clinical coursework, and one clinical externship year. The program in audiology at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center offers comprehensive academic, research, and clinical experience in a wide variety of settings. A unique feature of the TTUHSC program is the diversity of the clinical and research experiences available. Students obtain clinical and/or research experience at: the TTUHSC Speech and Hearing Clinic, several community-based clinics, public school programs, local private practices, and other medical, rehabilitative, and educational facilities outside the Lubbock community. In these settings, students have the opportunity to explore state-of-the-art technology, instrumentation, and assessment/treatment procedures in audiology and communication sciences.

The department also sponsors a chapter of the Student Academy of Audiology (SAA). This national audiology student group hosts community service events throughout the year to support those individuals with hearing loss and also to educate the local community on hearing and balance concerns. TTUHSC audiology students are active in local, state, and national organizations. These opportunities allow students to be introduced to activities that will advance the profession of audiology in terms of education and advocacy for the profession and patients.

Technical Standards

To successfully complete the Doctor of Audiology program in the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, an individual must meet the following technical standards:

  1. Communication
    Prospective and current students must possess adequate communication skills to:

    • Communicate effectively with individuals and groups in person, by phone, and in written form while considering the communication needs and cultural values of the listener at a level that will support competent professional practice.
    • Communicate proficiently in oral and written English.
    • Communicate professionally, effectively, and legibly to meet demands required as part of coursework and during clinical work to ensure patient safety (e.g., scholarly papers, medical records, clinical reports, standardized assessment).
    • Perceive and demonstrate appropriate non-verbal communication for culture and context.
    • Convey information accurately with relevance and cultural sensitivity.
    • Possess sufficient speech/vocal productions for provision of clinical services.

  2. Motor Skills 
    Prospective and current students must possess adequate motor skills to:

    • Sustain necessary physical activity level in required classroom and clinical activities for the defined workday.
    • Efficiently manipulate testing and treatment environments, materials, and equipment to complete screening and evaluation protocols and treatment and behavior plans.
    • Access technology and equipment for clinical management (e.g., billing, charting, therapy programs), diagnostic testing, and treatment protocols.
    • Negotiate patient/client care environments and move between settings such as the classroom, health care facility, educational setting, and community settings.
    • Access transportation to attend academic courses and clinical placements.
    • Use fine motor skills to perform procedures involving the outer ear and speech mechanisms (e.g., ear canal impressions, otoscopy, hearing aid fittings, oral mechanism exams, swallowing protocols).
    • Safely manipulate patient-utilized equipment (e.g., durable medical equipment to include AAC devices, hearing aids).
    • Provide a safe environment for others when responding to emergency situations (e.g., fire, choking, or other medical emergencies) and in the application of universal precautions.

  3. Intellectual/Cognitive 
    Prospective and current students must possess adequate intellectual/cognitive skills to:

    • Comprehend, retain, integrate, synthesize, infer, evaluate, and apply large amounts of written and verbal information in a short period of time sufficient to meet curricular and clinical demands.
    • Read, comprehend, record, and interpret information accurately from diagnostic tests, equipment, and patient records to formulate a diagnosis, develop a treatment plan, make independent clinical decisions, and ensure patient safety.
    • Generate discipline-specific documents and clinical reports in English.
    • Seek relevant case information, synthesize, and apply concepts and information from various sources and disciplines.
    • Analyze and solve problems, reason, and make sound clinical judgments in patient assessment, diagnostic, and therapeutic planning and implementation.
    • Accurately identify and communicate limits in one’s own professional knowledge and skills and utilize resources to increase knowledge and skills.
    • Use technology to meet requirements of courses and practicum (e.g., internet access, learning management systems, electronic health records).

  4. Sensory/Observation
    Prospective and current students must possess adequate sensory skills of vision, hearing, touch, and smell to:

    • Visually and auditorily identify normal and disordered characteristics in the areas of semantics, pragmatics, syntax, morphology, phonology, swallowing, cognition, balance, hearing, and social interaction related to communication.
    • Observe patients’ activity and behavior accurately during assessment and treatment procedures.
    • Visually monitor client/patient responses and materials.
    • Identify and discriminate anatomic structures and imaging findings (e.g., otoscopy, oral mechanism exam, MBSS, FEES).
    • Discriminate text, numbers, tables, and graphs associated with diagnostic instruments and tests.
    • Accurately monitor, through both visual and auditory modalities, materials and equipment used for assessment and treatment of patients.
    • Recognize and interpret when a client’s family/caregiver does or does not understand the clinician’s written and/or verbal communication.

  5. Social/Behavioral Skills
    Prospective and current students must possess adequate social/behavioral skills to:

    • Comply with administrative, legal, and regulatory policies, including upholding the ASHA Code of Ethics.
    • Demonstrate respect for individual, social, and cultural differences in fellow students, faculty, staff, patients, and patients’ families during clinical and academic interactions.
    • Maintain adequate physical and mental health and self-care such that the health and safety of self and others in the academic and clinical settings are not jeopardized.
    • Maintain adequate physical and mental health and self-care to access and participate in a variety of educational and clinical settings/activities.
    • Develop and maintain professional relationships with clients/patients, fellow students, and colleagues.
    • Demonstrate flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing situations and uncertainty (which includes maintaining professional demeanor and emotional health) in academic, clinical, and community settings.
    • Conduct oneself in a mature, empathetic, and effective professional manner by exhibiting compassion, honesty, integrity, professionalism, and concern for others in an ethical and legal manner in all interactions and situations.
    • Maintain regular attendance and meet responsibilities within designated timelines.
    • Manage time effectively to complete professional and technical tasks within constraints.
    • Accept feedback (e.g., suggestions, constructive criticism) and modify behavior accordingly.
    • Maintain appropriate and professional appearance for varied clinical and academic environments.


Admission to the Program

The Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) program begins in August of each year.  Admission to the program is competitive, and the application deadline is November 1 (for early admission) and February 1 (for traditional admission) of each year for the following fall semester. Students are required to adhere to all policies as outlined by the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, the School of Health Professions, and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. Students also have specific rights as outlined in the student handbook. Undergraduate majors in the sciences, particularly the life sciences, are recommended for entrance into the Au.D. program.

Application Process

Admission requirements include:

  • Completion of the Communication Sciences & Disorders Centralized Application Service (CSDCAS) application
  • Completion of the TTUHSC School of Health Professions supplemental application
  • A cumulative and major GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • Submission of GRE test scores (including verbal, quantitative, and analytic writing)
  • Submission of three letters of recommendation
  • Proof of appropriate immunizations against infectious diseases
  • A bachelor’s degree in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences or a related field
  • TOEFL or IELTS scores, if English is the second language

AuD Curriculum

Example Course Sequence

*Minimum of 101 credit hours required, which includes 10-11 semesters (based on individual situations)

FIRST-YEAR
Fall Semester
Credit Hours
HPSH 7342        Psychoacoustics & Auditory Perception
3
HPSH 7321/92  Clinical Observation/Clinical Practicum
3
HPSH 7440        Fundamentals of Sound & the Auditory System
4
HPSH 7346        Diagnostic Audiology
3
HPSH 7146        Diagnostic Audiology Lab 1
HPSH 1002        Foundations for Interprofessional Collaborative PracticeNC                                   

Total Hours = 14


Spring Semester
Credit Hours
HPSH 7285        Audiology Professional Issues & Practice Management2
HPSH 7344        Clinical Amplification3
HPSH 7158        Applications of Clinical Amplification1
HPSH 7350        Pediatric Audiology3
HPSH 7150        Pediatric Audiology Lab1
HPSH 7393        Clinical Practicum3

Total Hours = 13        

Summer Semester
Credit Hours
HPSH 7015        Audiology Clinical Research I1
HPSH 7251        Counseling2
HPSH 7330        Speech-Language Development & Disorders3
HPSH 7394        Clinical Practicum3

Total Hours = 9    

SECOND-YEAR
Fall Semester
Credit Hours
HPSH 5320        Research Principles & Application3
HPSH 7016        Audiology Clinical Research II      1
HPSH 7247        Aural Rehabilitation2
HPSH 7365        Balance Function3
HPSH 7165        Balance Function Lab1
HPSH 7370        Implantable Devices in Audiology3
HPSH 7395        Clinical Externship                                         3

Total Hours = 16

Spring Semester
Credit Hours
HPSH 7215        Balance Function II2
HPSH 7260        Hearing Conservation & Instrumentation
2
HPSH 7243        Clinical Applications of Aural Rehabilitation2
HPSH 7364        Auditory Electrophysiology3
HPSH 7164        Auditory Electrophysiology Lab1
HPSH 7017        Audiology Clinical Research III
1
HPSH 7396        Clinical Externship                                        3

Total Hours = 14

Summer Semester
Credit Hours
HPSH 7397        Clinical Externship                                                                              3

Total Hours = 3             

THIRD-YEAR
Fall Semester
Credit Hours
HPSH 7110        Special Topics in Audiology1
HPSH 7286        Business Management Practices for Audiologists2
HPSH 7348        Educational Audiology3
HPSH 7352        Clinical Disorders in Audiology3
HPSH 7198/7398  Clinical Practicum                                                                                                        1-3

Total Hours = 11-13               

Spring Semester
Credit Hours
HPSH 7255        Advanced Concepts in Audiology2
HPSH 7225        Evidence-Based Practices in Audiology2
HPSH 7322        Auditory Processing Disorders3
HPSH 7357        Amplification Systems and Special Applications3
HPSH 7199/7399  Clinical Practicum                                                                                                       1-3

Total Hours = 11-13               

Summer Semester
Credit Hours
HPSH 7019        Advanced Summer Clinical Experience                                     6

Total Hours = 6            

FOURTH-YEAR
Fall Semester
Credit Hours
HPSH 7020        Advanced Clinical Placement                                                     5

Total Hours = 5            

Spring Semester
Credit Hours
HPSH 7021        Advanced Clinical Placement                                                     5

Total Hours = 5            

  • HPSH 1002 Foundations for Interprofessional Collaborative Practice (0:0:0,O)

    An introduction to broad concepts related to interprofessional core competencies for healthcare providers.

  • HPSH 5320 Research Principles and Application (3:3:0,F)

    A summary of the basic concepts of science and research. Emphasis is placed on preparing students to become knowledgeable consumers of research and to apply research principles to evidence-based practice.

  • HPSH 7010 Independent Study (1-6:0:1-6,F)

    A variable credit course used for individualized leveling plans created by the program director.

  • HPSH 7011 Independent Study (1-6:0:1-6,F)

    A variable credit course used for individualized leveling plans created by the program director.

  • HPSH 7015 Audiology Clinical Research I (1:0:1,F)

    Clinical research course in which students prepare literature review and research questions in preparation for prospectus.

  • HPSH 7016 Audiology Clinical Research II (1:0:1,F)

    Clinical research course in which students complete portions of the required clinical research project.

  • HPSH 7017 Audiology Clinical Research III (1:0:1,F)

    Clinical research course resulting in completion of data analysis and results sections of the student clinical research project, in addition to preparation for presentation of the project.

  • HPSH 7019 Advanced Summer Clinical Experience (1-6:0:32-40,F)

    Supervised clinical practicum for Au.D. students. The placement is typically the initial enrollment of the fourth year clinical externship.

  • HPSH 7020 Advanced Clinical Placement (5-9:0:32-40,F)

    Advanced clinical placement for students in the fourth year of the Au.D. program. Two enrollments of advanced Au.D. clinical placement are required before graduation (typically fall and spring of fourth year unless prior approval has been obtained from the department). May not be taken before all courses and comprehensive examinations are successfully completed. No textbook is required.

  • HPSH 7021 Advanced Clinical Placement (5-9:0:32-40,F)

    Advanced clinical placement for students in the fourth year of the Au.D. program. Two enrollments of advanced Au.D. clinical placement are required before graduation (typically fall and spring of fourth year unless prior approval has been obtained from the department). May not be taken before all courses and comprehensive examinations are successfully completed. No textbook is required.

  • HPSH 7022 Advanced Clinical Placement (5-9:0:32-40,F)

    Advanced clinical placement for students in the fourth year of the Au.D. program. Two enrollments of an advanced Au.D. clinical placement re required before graduation (typically fall and spring of fourth year unless prior approval has been obtained from the department). May not be taken before all courses and comprehensive examinations are successfully completed.

  • HPSH 7110 Special Topics in Audiology (1:1:0,F)

    This course is a capstone course taken in the third year of the Au.D. program. This course will allow for integration of knowledge in a case-based format.

  • HPSH 7146 Diagnostic Audiology Lab (1:0:1,F)

    This lab will introduce students to audiological equipment and demonstrate techniques for performing diagnostic audiological procedures. The lab will also address proper report-writing related to case history, description and interpretation of test results, and recommendations.

  • HPSH 7150 Pediatric Audiology Lab (1:0:1,F)

    This lab course is designed to provide hands-on experiences in audiological testing of pediatric patients, along with expanding knowledge related to audiological issues in the pediatric population.

  • HPSH 7158 Applications of Clinical Amplification (1:0:1,F)

    This course will focus on the clinical mechanics of fitting a hearing aid. It will include hands on, practical use of equipment and techniques for fitting, adjusting and verifying amplification.

  • HPSH 7164 Auditory Electrophysiology Lab (1:0:1,F)

    This lab course is designed to provide hands-on experiences with equipment utilized during electrophysiological testing.

  • HPSH 7165 Balance Function Lab (1:0:1,F)

    This lab course is designed to provide hands-on experiences with equipment utilized in assessment and management of balance function.

  • HPSH 7198 Clinical Practicum (1:0:1-3,F)

    Supervised clinical practicum in audiology.

  • HPSH 7199 Clinical Practicum (1:0:1-3,F)

    Supervised clinical practicum in audiology.

  • HPSH 7215 Balance Function 2 (2:2:0,F)

    The second course in the vestibular assessment and management series that covers advanced approaches to diagnostic assessment methods/interpretation and rehabilitation techniques. Prerequisites: HPSH 7365 Balance Function.

  • HPSH 7225 Evidence-Based Practices in Audiology (2:2:0,F)

    This course will focus on incorporating evidence-based practice in the field of audiology. The elements of evidence-based practice will be explored, including research evidence, clinical expertise, and client preferences and goals.

  • HPSH 7243 Clinical Applications of Aural Rehabilitation (2:2:0,F)

    This course is designed to provide clinical training on using additional testing and techniques to expand the diagnostic and rehabilitative focus of audiologists.

  • HPSH 7247 Aural Rehabilitation (2:2:0,F)

    The study of audiological, speech, language and listening test procedures, intervention techniques, and the use of amplification for infants through adults with hearing loss. Assessment, treatment, cognition, cultural and psychosocial issues will be discussed in relation to hearing loss.

  • HPSH 7251 Counseling in Audiology (2:2:0,F)

    An introduction to counseling the communicatively disordered and their families. Emphasis will be placed on special education, vocational, and emotional issues surrounding hearing impairment. Considerations of special populations and lifespan issues will be included.

  • HPSH 7255 Advanced Concepts in Audiology (2:2:0,F)

    This course is to provide clinical training in use of additional testing and techniques to expand the diagnostic and rehabilitative focus of audiologists. It will address audiometric problems from both a clinical and experimental point of view. There will be an emphasis on the theoretical basis behind clinical instrumentation and methodologies in clinical diagnosis. Based on the focus for this course, prerequisite knowledge of basic audiometric testing and interpretation are expected.

  • HPSH 7260 Hearing Conservation and Instrumentation (2:2:0,F)

    This course will present the physiologic and behavioral effects of noise exposure, hearing conservation programs, and clinical services to children and adults from diverse populations. Instrumentation associated with the measurement of noise across multiple environments will be a central aspect of the course.

  • HPSH 7285 Audiology Professional Issues and Practice Management (2:2:0,F)

    This course is designed to provide an overview of audiology practice management. Course topics will include issues related to ethical practice, multicultural issues, interprofessional collaboration, billing and coding for reimbursement, personnel management, insurance, strategic planning, and audiology service delivery. Considerations associated with audiological service delivery for patients of various socioeconomic statuses will also be discussed.

  • HPSH 7286 Business Management Practices for Audiologists (2:2:0,F)

    This course will study a variety of topics important to the management and operation of audiology clinics and professional practices as a business. Course topics will include financial management and accounting, personnel management, marketing, strategic planning, business outcome measures as related to reimbursement, and supervision of students.

  • HPSH 7321 Clinical Observation and Methods (3:0:4-8,F)

    Supervised observation of clinical assessment and management of individuals with communication disorders.

  • HPSH 7322 Auditory Processing Disorders (3:3:0,F)

    This course is designed to address the functional aspects of the auditory system. It will include an overview of anatomy, testing for auditory processing disorders, differential diagnosis, and management. It will also include information on differentiating functional difficulties as symptomology of other disabilities versus auditory processing disorders as the primary diagnosis.

  • HPSH 7330 Speech and Language Development and Disorders (3:3:0,O)

    An overview of speech and language development and the basic principles of assessment and treatment for speech sound and language disorders. Includes a review of phonetics and a special focus on speech and language problems in persons with hearing loss.

  • HPSH 7342 Psychoacoustics and Auditory Perception (3:3:0,F)

    This course will present the physiological bases of auditory perception and the corresponding behavioral manifestations, including higher-level cognitive and developmental aspects of speech perception.

  • HPSH 7344 Clinical Amplification (3:3:0,F)

    Basic process of hearing aid evaluation, selection, and dispensing. Includes patient considerations, selection, verification and validation measures, introduction to hearing aid systems, earmold impression and ear mold selection. Prerequisites: HPSH 7342 Psychoacoustics and Auditory Perception or equivalent.

  • HPSH 7346 Diagnostic Audiology (3:3:0,F)

    This course will present advanced diagnostic techniques for children and adults including those from diverse populations or with special needs.

  • HPSH 7348 Educational Audiology (3:3:0,F)

    Audiological considerations in educational settings. The incidence, treatment, and educational sequela of hearing impairment in the auditory-verbal classroom will be covered.

  • HPSH 7350 Pediatric Audiology (3:3:0,F)

    A study of behavioral and objective audiological evaluation, as well as the habilitation and rehabilitation, of infants and children.

  • HPSH 7352 Clinical Disorders in Audiology (3:3:0,F)

    The purpose of this course is to provide students with information to understand the following areas: 1) the anatomy and physiology of auditory mechanisms; 2) etiology and pathology of auditory disorders; and 3) audiological and otologic evaluation/management of auditory disorders.

  • HPSH 7357 Amplification Systems and Special Applications (3:3:0,F)

    This course explores the technology and theories behind amplification systems. It also explores how these systems apply to low-incidence and difficult to fit populations. This course will also include: Discussion of specialized amplification features, verification of these features, and fitting special populations (e.g., children, non-verbal, conductive hearing loss, auditory neuropathy/dyssynchrony). Prerequisite: HPSH 7344 Clinical Amplification or permission of the instructor.

  • HPSH 7364 Auditory Electrophysiology (3:3:0,F)

    Covers clinical and theoretical knowledge and applied skills of normal and pathological auditory systems. This course will provide clinical instruction in the application of electrophysiological testing techniques and interpretation. Emphasis will be placed on evaluation of auditory functional and site of lesion testing, protocols, and interpretation. Prerequisite: HPSH 7440 Fundamentals of Sound and the Auditory System or equivalent.

  • HPSH 7365 Balance Function (3:3:0,F)

    Covers theoretical knowledge and applied skills of normal and pathological vestibular system.

  • HPSH 7370 Implantable Devices in Audiology (3:3:0,F)

    Electrophysiology of implantable devices. Also includes processor strategies, and speech/language learning in prelingually deafened listeners. Prerequisite: HPSH 7440 Fundamentals of Sound and of the Auditory System or equivalent.

  • HPSH 7390 Clinical Practicum-Individualized Experience (3:0:4-16,F)

    The course is intended to allow for individualized student instruction of clinical procedures and protocols. This course may be repeated for credit.

  • HPSH 7392 Clinical Practicum (3:0:4-8,F)

    Supervised clinical practicum in audiology.

  • HPSH 7393 Clinical Practicum (3:0:4-8,F)

    Supervised clinical practicum in audiology.

  • HPSH 7394 Clinical Practicum (3:0:6-10,F)

    Supervised clinical practicum in audiology.

  • HPSH 7395 Clinical Practicum (3:0:4-8,F)

    Supervised clinical practicum in audiology.

  • HPSH 7396 Clinical Practicum (3:0:4-8,F)

    Supervised clinical practicum in audiology.

  • HPSH 7397 Clinical Practicum (3:0:32-40,F)

    Supervised clinical practicum in audiology.

  • HPSH 7398 Clinical Practicum (3:0:4-16,F)

    Supervised clinical practicum in audiology.

  • HPSH 7399 Clinical Practicum (3:0:4-16,F)

    Supervised clinical practicum in audiology.

  • HPSH 7440 Fundamentals of Sound and of the Auditory System (4:4:0,F)

    This course is an in-depth exposure to the structure and function of the auditory system, including principles of the physics of sound as applied to physiology of auditory structures. Emphasis is placed on peripheral structure and function, up to and including important brainstem nuclei. An introduction to cortical structures and processing is presented.