Graduate Audiology Student Dedicates Research To Supporting Families

The Department of Science Communication and disorders engages students, faculty, and members of the community to advance knowledge through basic and applied research, innovative professional and pre-professional education, and enhanced clinical practices to better serve individuals with communication disorders. Through the doctoral program, Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) student, Camille Garrett is advancing the state of knowledge in Audiology by dedicating her dissertation to families whose child has chronic otitis media.

Garrett’s dissertation is a quantitative research project that examines how chronic otitis media (recurring ear infections) in infants affects the quality of life of the infant’s caregivers and the infant’s early language development. “It’s really focused on seeing if there are any differences in quality of life and their child’s language skills in families whose kids do and don’t have chronic ear infections,” Garrett explains. She decided to research this topic further because, in the field of Audiology, there are many studies on chronic otitis media, but there isn’t nearly enough research on the chronic aspect. 

Garrett believes that this research will help her in the clinic once she graduates. She hopes that this data will be applied to further improve treatment strategies. “I am hoping that the results can be used for oral rehab strategies and helping pediatric patients, and their families, feel supported. Having a more family-centered approach will help aid clinicians in finding long-term strategies for supporting the pediatric patient’s language functions and dealing with their hearing loss.” Garrett expressed. The research is progressing smoothly with Garrett’s recruitment of families.

Despite this being Garrett’s first time doing professional research, she expresses excitement as she learns more about herself and the research process, “I’m excited to see what the data will say, and I’ve enjoyed the writing process too. I wasn’t really expecting to. It's been stressful but enjoyable thanks to all the support I've had.” Garrett is looking forward to working in a clinical setting, interacting with patients every day as a pediatric audiologist, and working with families. 

As a Double-Duke, Garrett took an interest in Audiology early in her academic career, but decided that she wanted to work in pediatrics and with families to support and improve their quality of life. Since beginning her doctoral degree, Garrett has learned a lot about herself and audiology by learning how to care for people in various ways. Through her research classes and hands-on learning at JMU’s on-campus clinic and a variety of well-equipped laboratories, Garrett feels confident that she and her research will bridge generational gaps and build rapport within families and the community. She feels passionately about the profession and advises future students to "stay open and receptive to all things graduate school teaches you about yourself outside of the actual coursework!"