8/8/02

AU DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION DISORDERS RECEIVES GIFT

AUBURN -- The Department of Communication Disorders in Auburn University's College of Liberal Arts has received a gift of equipment, valued at $40,000, from Eye Dynamics, Inc., a California-based company.

The equipment, used for videonystagmography and caloric diagnostics, measures eye movement and detects abnormalities in patients associated with dizziness, says Sandra Clark-Lewis, associate clinical professor in the Department of Communication Disorders and an audiologist.

"This equipment is very valuable and will be an important part of our new audiology doctoral training program," Clark-Lewis said.

The equipment enables students in AU's audiology graduate program to complete vestibular evaluations to assess and treat patients suffering from dizziness.

Vestibular disorders may include dizziness, imbalance, vertigo, nausea and blurred vision and may be accompanied by hearing problems. According to the National Institute of Health, dizziness is the No. 1 complaint of patients over age 70 and the No. 3 complaint of all patients after headache and back pain. Additionally, 90 million people will experience dizziness in their lifetime.

"It is a very common problem," Clark-Lewis said.

Before receiving the donation, Clark-Lewis said students had to go to off-campus sites to study videonystagmography.

"Now we will be able to provide this service to patients in our Speech and Hearing Clinic and our students can train right here using donated equipment," she said.

The machine will also be used by students in Auburn's new Doctor of Audiology Program, which begins fall 2003.

"This is a very important addition to our department in light of the fact that we will be training new doctorate students," Clark-Lewis said.

Scott Sand, marketing director of Eye Dynamics, visited Auburn to present the equipment. He also taught a training workshop to faculty and graduate students in the Department of Communication Disorders explaining how the equipment operates.

Located in Torrance, Calif., Eye Dynamics produces and markets patented proprietary products and other services for the institutional, medical and governmental markets.

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CONTACT: Wilder, 334/844-2994; or Development Office