MSc/PGDip Advanced Audiology Studies / Course details

Content:

• Habilitation
• Neural plasticity
• Concept of effective amplification
• Fitting aids to infants
• Advanced technological features of digital hearing aids
• Non linear fitting strategy
• Verification measures
• Evaluation methods in the clinic and real world
• Acoustics of speech
• Effective communication
• FM systems
• Multi disciplinary and multi agency approaches to effective amplification
• Case studies: the challenges presented by some audiograms/circumstances
• Management of hearing aid reviews
• Evidence based practice

The unit aims to:

• extend knowledge and advance understanding of the management of amplification for infants and deaf children;
• develop a systematic and holistic approach to amplification to ensure that the fitting of a hearing aid reflects the individual needs and circumstances of a child at any given time.

• Independent reading
• Discussion board
• Reflective practice
• Recorded lectures
• Online videos
• Clinical-based and independent learning activities
• Problem-based learning.

• Demonstrate critical awareness of the effect that a hearing loss has on the overall cognitive development of a child and the impact of subsequent intervention through amplification, with reference to neural plasticity and age of intervention.
• Demonstrate a systematic knowledge of fitting a hearing aid with a nonlinear fitting strategy; verification of the fitting using real ear measurements and the various evaluation procedures used in clinic and real world situations in order to provide a child with effective amplification.
• Demonstrate a critical knowledge of the most recent advanced technological features of digital hearing aids and a critical understanding of how and when these features may be beneficial for an individual child.
• Demonstrate an awareness of the difficulties faced by deaf children in the classroom and the advantages that FM systems offer to such children.
• Demonstrate a critical understanding of the effect that a family centred approach to the management of a deaf child has on the outcomes for that child.
• Demonstrate a critical understanding of the importance of information exchange in the management and outcomes for a deaf child.

• Critically evaluate current research literature and recent developments in Audiology from both scientific and professional viewpoints and apply the evidence to clinical practice.
• Critically evaluate clinical data to exercise initiative and professional judgement to respond to various issues of amplification that may arise in complex clinical situations as determined by the child, the audiogram or circumstances.
• Critically appraise the term ‘effective amplification’.
• Critically evaluate local procedures and practices in line with national guidelines.

• Demonstrate capacity for self-learning and independent thinking and to utilise problem solving skills.
• Critically evaluate their personal performance both as an individual and within a team.
• Make informed decisions in complex situations.
• Use library and computer facilities to access relevant information.
• Demonstrate skills in working collegiately and effectively with others as a member of a team.
• Collaborate and network with colleagues, on and off line, to discuss challenging clinical situations and technological developments.

PCHN60320 (30 credits):

• Online tasks (formative)
• Written assignment 1 (1,000 words, 25%)
• Written assignment 2 (1,000 word plan, 3,000 words, 50%)
• Portfolio (25%).
• Mentor meeting/report

Zero credit version:

• Online tasks (formative)
• Portfolio (100%)
• Mentor meeting/report

Written feedback

• Bagatto, M, Moodie, S, Seewald, R, Bartlett, D, Scollie, S (2011).  A Critical Review of Audiological Outcome Measures for Infants and Children.  Trends in Amplification 15(1-2) 23–33.
• DfES (2006).  Informed choice, families and deaf children.  Professional handbook.
• DfES (2007) Aiming high for disabled children: better support for families. 
• Dillon, H (2012) Hearing Aids (2nd ed.) Boomerang press: Sydney.
• Proceedings from the Phonak Paediatric Audiology conferences.  Available from:  http://www.phonakpro.com/com/b2b/en/events/proceedings.html
• Tharpe, A, Seewald, R (2011) Comprehensive handbook of pediatric audiology, San Diego : Plural Publishing.