The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders has received a gift to create the Audiology Simulation Lab at Wichita State University. The lab contains five state-of-the-art Canadian Audiology simulators for Research and Learning (CARL) manikins and auxiliary equipment — four adult heads and one infant head. Dr. William McCormick donated $25,000 in memory of his wife, Deanne, to start the Audiology Simulation Lab located on the lower level of Hubbard Hall.
The manufacturer of CARL, AHead Simulations, developed the units to decrease the risk associated with students practicing on each other or real patients. The CARL manikins provide Doctor of Audiology (AuD) students the autonomy to practice important procedures such as making earmold impressions and placing behind-the-ear hearing aids. Manikin use standardizes student learning and testing and allows students to gain practical hours through simulation. It also allows students to continue their education if clinics shut down, as they did during the COVID-19 pandemic.