LM208 - Legally Speaking- A Guide for Audiologists

Thursday, April 23, 2026

2:15 PM - 3:15 PM CST

Location: Room 303

Earn 0.1 CEUs

Instructional Level: Advanced

Lead Presenter(s)

Christopher Spankovich, AuD, PhD, MPH

Professor and Vice Chair of Research
University of Mississippi Medical Center
University of Mississippi Medical Center
Jackson, Mississippi

Disclosure(s): Financial - Medical Legal Consulting: Consultant (Ongoing); Nonfinancial - Board Member ACAE

Presenter(s)

Dennis A. Colucci, MA, AuD

Forensic Audiologist
Auditory Disorders and Balance Laboratory, Inc.
Dana Point, California

Disclosure(s): No financial or nonfinancial relationships to disclose.
Robert M. Traynor, Ed.D., MBA, DFAAA

Forensic Audiologist
Robert Traynor Audiology, LLC, HearSay Forensic Group
Rush University/ Salus University/ U of Arkansas Med Sciences/Salus University
Fort Collins, Colorado

Disclosure(s): No financial or nonfinancial relationships to disclose.
Thomas A. Powers, PhD

Founder
Powers Consulting, LLC
Ohio University
Oxford, New Jersey

Disclosure(s): No financial or nonfinancial relationships to disclose.

Abstract: In this session the presenters will review and demonstrate knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to to excel as a testifying expert. The session will include role playing and breakdown of scenarios to improve your testimony at deposition or trial skills.
The presenters include a leading trial attorney and seasoned audiology expert witnesses. They will give specific examples and role playing to help the participant improve their skills in court.

Summary: Serving as an audiology expert in legal cases can be both rewarding and daunting. In this session we will present on the knowledge and skills to excel as a testifying expert at deposition or trial. The session will include live role playing and breakdown of scenarios to improve your testimony. The session will include advice from one of the leading mass tort trial attorneys in the United States. In this session we will cover testimony preparation, interaction with attorneys, the court, and how to address the jury’s needs. The presenters will demonstrate how to answer difficult questions, give a proper presentation, and how to keep your opinions evidence-based and resolute.

Brief Summary of Clinical Takeaways: The clinical takeaway from this session is evaluation of medical-legal opportunities in your practice.

Assumptions: Attendees should have established experience in differential diagnosis of hearing and balance disorders.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion, participants will be able to describe the components of a medico-legal testimony.
Upon completion, participants will be able to identify appropriate deposition and court behavior and interaction.
Upon completion, participants will be able to appraise techniques to improve testimony.