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Date of Graduation
5-15-2025
Semester of Graduation
Spring
Degree Name
Doctor of Audiology (AuD)
Department
Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders
First Advisor
Yingju Nie
Second Advisor
Melissa Garber
Third Advisor
Lincoln Gray
Abstract
Audiology is a growing and evolving profession that requires effective communication between researchers, educators, and clinicians. Although graduate education plays a key role in shaping clinical practices, other factors may also influence an audiologist’s decision-making in the field. This study surveyed currently practicing audiologists in the United States to explore how clinicians approach the occlusion effect when obtaining masked bone conduction thresholds, and whether it should be accounted for at all. The survey aimed to answer three key questions: (1) which factors play a role in whether audiologists compensate for the occlusion effect?; (2) what reasons do audiologists give for not compensating for the occlusion effect?; and (3) do self-reported non-compensators unintentionally do so by using a large plateau? Of the 31 audiologists who accessed the survey, 24 completed it and were included in the study. This research focused on whether practice setting or degree type influence an audiologist’s decision to compensate for the occlusion effect. Results indicate that neither factor significantly correlated with the likelihood they will choose to compensate. However, the majority of participants (83%) reported that they do compensate, suggesting strong adherence to established best practices. Qualitative responses further revealed that some self-reported non-compensators may still be compensating unintentionally by using a large masking plateau. Although the small sample size limits generalizability, these findings highlight the need for further research on a larger scale. Understanding how different clinical settings and educational backgrounds influence decision-making could provide valuable insights for audiology educators as they prepare students for real-world clinical practice.
