Volunteer Experiences
Arizona Sonoran Border Project (ARSOBO)
- Dr. David Velonovsky, PhD, CCC-A
With a group of audiologists, faculty, and students from the University of Arizona I travel monthly to the ARSOBO clinic to perform audiological evaluations and ear mold impressions under supervision.
Photo Courtesy of ARSOBO Site
Hearing Aid Bank, University of Arizona & Southern Arizona Hearing Aid Bank
- Dr. Amy Wheeler, AuD, CCC-A, F-AAA
As a volunteer, I help organize the the hearing aid bank supplies and donations and make phone calls to participants as needed.
Photo Courtesy of Wix
Observation Experiences
University of California, Irvine Medical Center, 13.5 Hrs
- Dr. Ginger Stickney, PhD ~ Director of Cochlear Implant Services
- Dr. Alicia Traktman, AuD ~ Diagnostic Audiologist
I observed diagnostic audiology and learned about reading audiograms and different tools used in a hearing evaluation such as masking. I also sat in on cochlear evaluation and follow up appointments.
Video Main Points
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Audiograms are used during audiological evaluations
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Show hearing thresholds in terms of loudness and frequencies
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Typical hearing occurs in frequencies up to 10 decibels
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Typical speech sounds occur in frequencies between 10 - 60 decibels
Everything you Need to Know about Audiograms
Hearing Care OC & Odyssey Medical Center, 9.25 Hrs
- Dr. Krista Hoskins, AuD ~ Lead Audiologist
I observed a complete process from hearing test and tympanogram to diagnosis to hearing aid fitting in this private practice setting. With Dr. Hoskins, I learned about interpersonal skills used to communicate with patients and their families.
Video Main Points:
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Graph demonstrates how the eardrum moves in response to pressure
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If the graph appears atypical, this can be due either to a perforation (hole) in the eardrum or fluid trapped behind the eardrum.
What is a Tympanogram?
SONUS, Orange Clinic, 12 Hrs
- Dr. Fauzia Kausar, AuD ~ Clinic Director & Audiologist
- Dr. Nancy Nicholosn, AuD ~ Diagnostic Audiologist
In this practice I observed closely with two audiologists, sitting in on hearing aid fittings and hearing evaluations. The most unique part of my time here was sitting in on a videonystagmography (VNG) to test a client's balance.
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What is a Videonystagmography (VNG)?
Video Main Points:
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A videonystagmography is a series of tests used to determine if the inner is causing balance issues of dizziness
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Infrared goggles are used to track eye movements
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A series of four tests are used to see any if there is any inappropriate eye movement
Work Experience
Audiology Technician
Working for a contractor of Veterans Affairs, I completed my training at the VA Hospital in Long Beach, CA. I worked in the same day repair clinic with veterans troubleshooting their hearing aids and related accessories, performing otoscopies, ear mold impressions, and sent hearing aids for repairs as necessary. I also certified and organized incoming packages of hearing aids and accessories.
Photo Courtesy of Wix
Caregiver/Babysitter
As a caregiver for a minimally verbal girl with autism, aged 15, I learned behavior management strategies such as redirecting attention and practicing calming exercises. I also occasionally care for her 11 year old sister and have learned time management skills to care for the both of them.
Photo Courtesy of Wix