The Department of Communication Disorders at Ono Academic College is dedicated to excellence in research and scientific innovation. We conduct pioneering studies in communication disorders, aiming to deepen scientific understanding, develop advanced therapeutic methods, and enhance the quality of life for individuals with communication disorders.
The practice rooms for audiology practicums are equipped with all the necessary clinical equipment required for performing standard hearing tests. These facilities enable students to practice administering hearing tests (both as the examiner and the subject) in preparation for their clinical training, where they conduct hearing evaluations on individuals visiting the clinic, under the guidance of a speech therapist.
The practice area, located on the department floor, consists of two clinical hearing test rooms and four acoustically treated rooms, all equipped with GSI-61 and Interacoustics AC40 audiometers.
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A specialized hearing test laboratory features advanced equipment designed to perform comprehensive audiological evaluations, including tympanometry, acoustic reflex, otoacoustic emissions (OAE), and auditory brainstem response (ABR) tests.
Students utilize this lab at multiple stages throughout their studies. Initially, it serves to assimilate theoretical knowledge and provide demonstrations in preparation for clinical practice. Later, students gain practical experience with these tests (by practicing on each other) under the supervision of a speech therapist, integrating their skills into in-depth case studies.
Additionally, the equipment and tests in this lab are utilized as research tools for seminar and research projects conducted by the department.
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The hearing aid laboratory features 15 stations, equipped with orientation tools, Noah software from Himsa, and interfaces like Noahlink Wireless and Hipro for device calibration. The lab includes hearing aids from leading market brands, allowing students to practice fitting, adjusting, and assessing customer needs. Students also gain hands-on experience taking ear measurements and observing the validation and verification procedures for hearing aids.
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The Laboratory for Signal Processing and Auditory Perception Research at Ono Academic College conducts in-depth studies on speech perception and auditory processing.
Laboratory activities include:
1. Developing and validating Hebrew speech perception tests in quiet and noisy environments.
2. Investigating speech perception across various age groups.
3. Studying the link between temporal processing and speech perception over a lifespan.
4. Research on auditory and visual speech perception.
5. Examining perceptual learning of distorted speech.
The laboratory is equipped with advanced recording systems and computerized signal processing tools, enabling precise and comprehensive research in the field. These studies contribute to a deeper understanding of speech perception and auditory processing, while also supporting the development of accurate diagnostic tools in Hebrew.
The simulation center at Ono Academic College replicates a professional environment, offering structured, effective, and safe learning experiences while documenting, analyzing, and providing immediate feedback. In the Department of Communication Disorders, simulations are utilized in both clinical training and courses. These scenarios, prepared by the faculty as role-plays, aim to develop communication, professional, and training skills, allowing students to apply their knowledge in a safe setting.
The center’s primary objectives include teaching, training, and coaching students in theoretical knowledge and practical skills, bridging the gap between academia and professional practice.
Throughout their second and third years, students visit the center multiple times for experiences like patient diagnosis, treatment delivery, and communicating with family members. Additionally, in collaboration with the Department of Occupational Therapy, simulation workshops involve actors and practical training exercises for clinical instructors from both fields.
During these sessions, students and instructors participate in videotaped simulations with actors, observe their peers, and engage in group debriefings based on the recorded segments.
Among the scenarios students engage in are taking patient histories and conducting hearing tests for adults, collecting information from the partner of a stroke patient, holding initial consultations with parents before diagnosing a child’s speech issue, assessing the family of a hearing-impaired infant, and conducting diagnostic sessions with aphasia patients at rehabilitation centers. Scenarios are selected according to each student’s training stage, integrating both interpersonal communication skills taught as part of the curriculum and professional skills that apply the theoretical material covered during the degree. Simulations play a vital role in transforming students into professionals and developing their competence as speech therapists after graduation. They also contribute to training clinical instructors to optimize their instructional methods.
Feedback from students and instructors after the simulation center experience:
- “Exciting. An experience that took me out of my comfort zone.”
- “Simulates and offers a clinical advantage without initial shock.”
- “I realized the importance of listening to the patient.”
- “I gained insights into managing time during treatment.”
- “Increases awareness and self-reflection.”
- “Breaks routine and enriches. Provided communication tools and practical dialogue techniques connected to the experience.”
- “Simulations with actors add an extra dimension and value.”
- “Effective—it felt authentic and created shared understanding with the mentor.”
- “The simulations are crucial. They reinforce the process, deeply engraving the knowledge.”
- “I had high expectations, and the course met them. The simulations were significant.”
- “The simulations intensified the learning and provided a profound experience.”
