Dr. Rachel D'Cruz
Designation: Consultant Audiologist & Speech Language Pathologist
Speciality: Speech, Language & Voice Disorders, Swallowing Rehabilitation, Hearing Assessment & Therapy
Education: European Master’s in Clinical Linguistics (EMCL++), BASLP
Experience: 6+ years
Key Skills: Speech & Language Therapy, Voice & Swallowing Rehabilitation, Hearing Aid Fitting, Acoustic Voice Analysis, Cognitive-Communication Therapy
Profile Summary:
Rachel D’Cruz is a certified Audiologist and Speech Language Pathologist with over 6 years of clinical and research experience across India and Europe. She holds a European Master’s in Clinical Linguistics (EMCL++), completed through the University of Groningen, Ghent University, and the University of Eastern Finland. Her areas of expertise include speech, language, and voice disorders, swallowing rehabilitation, hearing therapy, and cognitive-communication treatment. Rachel has worked in hospital, outpatient, and academic settings, and has co-founded an AI-based voice assessment startup. She is skilled in advanced acoustic analysis, multilingual therapy, and interdisciplinary research in communication sciences.
- Education
- Experience
- Awards, Publications & Fellowships
Education
- European Master’s in Clinical Linguistics (EMCL++) – University of Groningen, Ghent University, University of Eastern Finland (2021–2023)
- Bachelor of Audiology and Speech Language Pathology (BASLP) – Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University, School of Audiology and Speech Language Pathology (2013–2017)
Experience
- Consultant Audiologist & Speech Language Pathologist – Meadowlark Healthcare (July 2018 – July 2021, March 2024 – Present) Assessment and intervention for speech, language, cognition, swallowing, and hearing disorders in an outpatient setting.
- Co-founder – VoxAid (March 2024 – Jan 2025) Developed an AI-based acoustic voice assessment tool. Led product development, market research, branding, and user testing.
- Consultant Speech Language Pathologist – Ram Mangal Heart Hospital (Aug 2020 – Aug 2021, 2024 – Present) Specialized in voice and swallowing rehabilitation post-cardiac surgery.
- Consultant Speech Language Pathologist – Ruby Hall Clinic (April 2021 – Aug 2021) Provided therapy for voice and swallowing disorders in a hospital setting.
- Consultant Speech Language Pathologist – Nanihi Centre (July 2019 – Jan 2021) Treated a wide range of disorders including stuttering, aphasia, autism spectrum disorders, and cognitive-communication issues.
- Hearing Aid Audiologist & Proprietor – Soundworks (Nov 2019 – July 2021, March 2024 – Present) Delivered hearing rehabilitation services through independent practice.
Publications & Fellowships
- Publication: Co-author – “Articulatory–kinematic changes in speech following surgical treatment for oral or oropharyngeal cancer: A systematic review” (2025)
- Fellowship: European Master’s in Clinical Linguistics (EMCL++) Scholar – University of Groningen, Ghent University, University of Eastern Finland (2021–2023)
- Research Internship: Speech Biosignal Processing Lab, University of Groningen (Jan – Aug 2023)
- Poster Presentation: “Impact of age on acoustic and perceptual measures of voice quality in Italian speakers” at TABU Dag 2023, Groningen
- Collaborative Research: Cochlear Implant Users under ADIP Scheme with Govt. of India & NISH (Apr 2017)
- Clinical Research Participation: Studies on Laryngectomies and Spasmodic Dysphonia at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital (2017)
Specialization and Expertise
Speech & Language Disorders
Assessment and therapy for articulation, fluency, language delays, and aphasia across pediatric and adult populations.
Hearing Assessment & Rehabilitation
Experience in pure tone audiometry, hearing aid fitting, and auditory training for individuals with hearing impairment.
Multilingual & Cross-Linguistic Therapy
Clinical and research experience across multiple languages; trained in international settings for culturally responsive care.
Acoustic Voice Analysis & AI Tools
Co-developed an AI-based acoustic voice quality assessment tool; skilled in acoustic analysis and voice diagnostics.