Listening and Spoken Language (LSL) Emphasis

LSL Emphasis

Through early identification and advanced technology, children with hearing loss have more opportunities than ever before to use audition to develop spoken language. Rapid progress in these areas has created a critical shortage of appropriately trained professionals who can meet the unique communicative and learning needs of children with permanent hearing loss and their families.

The Department of Communicative Disorders and Deaf Education at Utah State University has developed an innovative training program to provide in-depth training to graduate students in Audiology, Speech-Language Pathology, and Deaf Education graduate programs. In addition to the standard coursework and requirements for a Doctor of Audiology (AuD) degree, students take additional courses and complete specialized practica and field-study experiences to develop specific knowledge and skills in the practice of pediatric audiology.

The LSL Emphasis is funded by federal grants awarded by the United States' Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). All SLP graduate students who participate in the LSL Program will have an opportunity to take advantage of associated funding.

The program is built on a strong foundation of interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary service provision to young children with hearing loss and their families. The primary training site for graduate students takes place right on the Utah State University campus at the Sound Beginnings Program.  Sound Beginnings at Utah State University is an early education program that provides home and center-based services to children with hearing loss whose families want their children to learn to listen and talk. 

Prospective SLP graduate students interested in learning more and/or participating in our LSL Competencies Program should indicate their interest via their statement of purpose in their application materials.