By RAYMOND ADEEKO

Staff Writer

The department of speech recently held its annual Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Conference April 15 and 16 to discuss technological advancement in the treatment of voice disorders.

Dr. Amelia Hudson, an associate professor of speech-language pathology at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, was the guest speaker at the conference, which was held on the second floor of the Student Center.

Hudson said she discussed the use of modern equipment and how the effects of drugs and the selection of certain medical options can help with the treatments for voice rehabilitation.

"I am trying to show them how improvements in technology would help [the professionals] do a better job of testing and managing clients with voice disorders," Hudson said.

Lynda Thomas, a graduate student in professional speech-language pathology, attended the event and said she enjoyed listening to the speaker, and that Hudson's lecture was elaborate and educative.

"[Hudson] was excellent, and her lecture gave us a lot of useful information," Thomas said. "It was like a two-day course on voice disorders."

Tricia Richards, another graduate student in professional speech-language pathology, said the seminar provided an insight to the field and a base for aspiring young professionals.

"The lecture gives us a good foundation we can build for many years," Richards said.

Hudson talked on diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis and Huntington's chorea, which are voice-disorder illnesses.

She used video pieces that elaborately showed the disorders and used power point messages in explaining the disease and some of the treatments, such as exercising, that can be administered.

Hudson said she hoped everyone who attended benefited and would "at least take something home with them."