BSc Healthcare Science (Audiology)

This unit builds on the knowledge and understanding obtained from PCHN21200 Hearing Aids and looks at the rationales and evidence base behind design, development and fitting of a range of modern hearing instruments including advanced features, an introduction to new topics including trainable hearing aids and an introduction to topics such as dead regions, auditory acclimatisation and cognition.

The unit aims to:

• To provide knowledge and understanding of the evidence base for hearing instrument technology and contemporary trends in rehabilitation that will enable you to work in a hearing healthcare setting.

Students will be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• Critically review and summarise the evidence base for features available in advanced signal processing hearing aid including frequency lowering devices.
• Describe CROS, BAHA and middle ear implants.
• Describe the candidature, assessment, fitting, management and evaluation of implantable hearing instruments.
• Describe wireless connectivity.
• Discuss the role of the multidisciplinary teams.
• Provide examples of future directions for hearing aid development.
• Describe cochlear dead regions and auditory acclimatisation and their relevance to hearing instrument fitting.
• Understand the importance of cognition in the hearing aid fitting process and the selection of technology.

Intellectual skills

• Scholarly conduct including academic reading, critical thinking and analysis, and persuasion through rational argument.

Practical skills

• Use of IT to assist clinical decisions.

Transferable skills and personal qualities

• Use of library and electronic resources.
• Independent study.

• Evidence base for advanced hearing instrument design and features.
• Evidence base for frequency lowering hearing aids.
• Trainable hearing aids.
• CROS, BAHA and middle ear implants.
• Implantable auditory prostheses.
• Wireless connectivity.
• Role of multidisciplinary teams.
• Hot topics: dead regions and auditory acclimatisation.
• Cognition and hearing aids: device settings and additional measures for assessment and outcome.
• Sensory loss and cognitive decline.
• Future directions for hearing aid development.

The learning processes will include e-learning presentations, directed reading, interactive tutorials and private study. Formative assessments will be provided using quizzes and case based discussion.

1. Written exam (2 hours, 80%)
2. Designment a Patient Information Sheet (500 words, 20%)

Formative feedback will be given via quizzes and on case based discussions.

More specific references will be provided in lectures.

Dillon, H. (2012). Hearing Aids. New York: Thieme.

Wong, L. & Hickson, L. (2012). Evidence-Based Practice In Audiology. San Diego: Plural Publishing.