Callier Launches New Clinic for Children

The UT Dallas Callier Center for Communication Disorders recently launched a new pediatric hearing aid clinic that is benefiting patients as well as the doctor of audiology (Au.D.) students who provide some of the clinical care.

The clinic opened on a pilot basis at Callier’s Dallas location in July 2009 with 20 patients. The response from the patients and clinicians was so overwhelmingly positive that the center decided to continue the clinic through the fall semester.

“We are very excited about this new program because it is an excellent way to address patient care, clinical efficiency and education,” said Dr. Carol Cokely, a clinical assistant professor in the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences.

The Callier Center offers three pediatric hearing aid clinics each week. Two licensed clinicians and three Au.D. students lead each clinic.

“The combination of licensed clinicians and Au.D. students allows us to see more patients while providing the same high level of care,” said Dr. Beth Dorsey, who is the interim head of audiology for Callier. “We are able to schedule and treat twice as many patients as we would normally see in a regular half-day session.”

The Au.D. students also receive extensive hands-on training in a supervised setting. The students regularly conduct hearing evaluations and fit patients for hearing aids.

“Working in the clinic allows me to strengthen the skills that I have learned in the classroom,” said Sara Barnes, a second-year Au.D. student. “Plus, I am given a certain amount of independence when it comes to managing my case load and making decisions for my patients.”

The pediatric hearing aid clinic meets Monday and Friday from 8 a.m. to noon and Tuesday from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the center’s Dallas location at 1966 Inwood Road.

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