Emma Rushbrooke, Australia
MPhil, BA, DipAud, MAudSA, LSLS Cert. AVT, RNC
Director of Clinical Governance, Research, and Training at Hear and Say
Building Foundations: The Vital Role of Audiology
in Auditory-Verbal Therapy
Target group
Audiologists, Therapists, Parents
interested in interdisciplinary
cooperation
Date: Sunday, May 11, 2025 Time: 16:00 (Berlin time)
Language: English with Russian translation
Participation: Free
Register now
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ABSTRACT
Early access to sound is the foundation for spoken language development in children with hearing loss. This presentation explores the interdependent role of audiology within the philosophy of Auditory-Verbal Therapy (AVT) and emphasises the critical importance of collaborative, family-centred care.
Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how early and targeted audiological intervention, through early diagnosis, hearing technology, and ongoing device management, directly supports the goals of AVT.
Using case studies and evidence-based practices, this presentation will highlight the complementary relationship between audiologists, listening and spoken-language specialists, educators, other related professionals, and families in promoting optimal listening and spoken language outcomes.
Participants will leave with strategies and insights to enhance interdisciplinary collaboration.
Profile Emma Rushbrooke
MPhil, BA, DipAud, MAudSA, LSLS Cert. AVT, RNC
Emma Rushbrooke is the Director of Clinical Governance, Research, and Training at Hear and Say in Brisbane, Australia. An audiologist and LSLS Cert AVT, Emma has over 25 years of experience working with children with hearing loss. Emma served on the AG Bell Academy Board of Directors from 2013 to 2022, and in the role of Chair from June 2018 to June 2020. Emma was also previously the co-chair of both the AG Bell Global Matters Committee and the AG Bell Academy Certification Committee. Emma has an Academic Title Senior Lecturer, School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland (2021 to date).
Emma has participated in training and mentoring both nationally and internationally and the development of training programs through the Hear and Say WorldWide education and training program, supporting many professionals in the certification process and/ or working with children with hearing loss.
Emma has extensive research experience, and her research interests include telehealth, unilateral hearing loss, listening and spoken language outcomes for children with hearing loss, and implantable technologies. Emma’s Master of Philosophy dissertation (2012) entitled Remote MAPping for Children with Cochlear Implants examined the validity of telemapping and Emma also co-edited the 2016 book “Telepractice in Audiology”.
Previous PORA! webinars with Emma Rushbrooke:
Webinar "The Possibilities of Telepractice"
Forum-discussion "The Possibilities of Telepractice"
Webinar "Listening for Learning: classroom acoustics and distance hearing"
Learning objectives
Participants will be able to:
- Describe the foundational role of audiology in Auditory-Verbal Therapy (AVT) and how it supports optimal listening and spoken language outcomes in children with hearing loss.
- Explain the principles of Auditory-Verbal Therapy, including how audiological management (e.g., hearing aids, cochlear implants) directly impacts therapy success.
- Identify key components of effective collaboration between audiologists, listening and spoken language specialists, educators, other related professionals, and families in family-centred care.
- Evaluate the importance of early and ongoing audiological intervention, including diagnostic assessments, device fitting, and monitoring for maximising auditory access.
- Understand the role of speech acoustics in auditory access, speech perception, and A-V therapy.
- Recognise common challenges and solutions in interdisciplinary collaboration
- Interpret case examples that illustrate how collaborative care leads to improved developmental and com