Audiology Short Courses

This unit builds upon audiology knowledge obtained in Understanding Neurosensory Systems, and aims to provide students with the conceptual scientific and clinical basis necessary for entry level as an Audiologist or Hearing Aid Dispenser. It is delivered via a blended learning approach where students will both complete online learning activities and attend face-to-face lectures, tutorials and practicals.

• Speech audiometry, auditory steady state response, EchoG, TEN test, PTC, OAEs, non organic HL
• Tinnitus assessment and management
• Speech production and acoustic phonetics
• Therapeutic and ototoxic drugs
• Prescription methods to select amplification characteristics
• Acoustic transfer and transform functions
• Real ear selection and verification procedures
• DSP hearing aid technology
• Cochlear dead regions
• Evaluation of amplification in adults
• Electrical implants
• Bone anchored hearing aids
• Principles of rehabilitation
• Models of disability
• Behaviour change theories in the context of rehabilitation
• Standards (BS, ISO, IEC)
• Sound measurement equipment (SLM, measurement microphones, mic calibrators, spectrum analysers, oscilloscopes
• Measurement of sound - deterministic, transient and random signals
• Measurement of sound - basic principles, errors

• Understand the basic mechanisms of speech production and how it relates to speech acoustics.
• Understanding of the range of speech sounds and their basic description in terms of acoustic phonetics.
• Critically evaluate the evidence base required to carry out non routine audiological assessments reliably and interpret the results obtained from them.
• Critically evaluate common approaches in the assessment and management of tinnitus.
• Describe the basic principles of pharmacology and evaluate the evidence related to drugs affecting the auditory system.
• Critically evaluate the current theories of amplification and signal processing in the management of hearing disorders.
• Critically evaluate the evidence base for the selection, verification and evaluation of hearing aids.
• Explore the role of the audiologist in the holistic management of adults with acquired hearing impairment.
• Describe the psychosocial and communication implications of an acquired hearing impairment on the individual's everyday life.
• What factors that influence a successful outcome in aural rehabilitation - where's the evidence?
• Describe the technical, surgical and psychosocial aspects of implantable devices, including cochlear implants and bone anchored hearing aids.
• Demonstrate knowledge and in depth understanding of the need for and processes used in calibration of audiological equipment.
• Understand the basic mechanisms of speech production and how it relates to speech acoustics.
• Understand the range of speech sounds and their basic description in terms of acoustic phonetics.

• Critically appraise scientific literature.
• Critically analyse and objectively interpret information/data.
• Communicate complex ideas and arguments in a clear and concise and effective manner.

• Utilise advanced test box measurement.
• Record real ear measurements.
• Measure OAEs.
• Record evoked potentials.
• Perform speech audiometry.

• Effectively utilise a range of information sources including information technology/health informatics.
• Demonstrate capacity for self-learning and independent thinking and to utilise problem solving skills.
• Demonstrate effective communication skills (verbal and written).
• Be able to set priorities and link these with effective time management.
• Critically evaluate their personal performance both as an individual and within a team.
• Demonstrate skills in working collegiately and effectively with others as a member of a team.

• Formative quizzes.
• 4000-word written assignment - 100%.

• Dillon, H (2012) Hearing Aids (2nd ed.) Boomerang press: Sydney.
• Katz J (Ed). (2009). Handbook of Clinical Audiology. Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia.
• Galfand, S (2009) Essentials of Audiology (3^rd Ed), Thieme Medical Publishers, New York.
• Moller, A, Langguth, B, DeRidder, D, Kleinjung (Eds) (2011) Textbook of Tinnitus, Springer, New York (available as e-book from the library).
• Fan-Gang, Z, Popper, A & Fay, A (Ed). (2004) Cochlear Implants: Auditory prostheses and electrical hearing.  A Springer Handbook of Auditory Research Vol. 20, Springer-Verlag, New York.
• Houghton, P.M. (2002) Acoustics for Audiologists, Academic Press.
• Martin, M (1997)  Speech Audiometry. 2nd Edition, Whurr.