BSc Healthcare Science (Audiology) / Course details

This unit provides the background knowledge of underpinning theory and application of test techniques and rehabilitation of adults and children with hearing impairments.

The unit aims to:

• Provide general knowledge of the auditory system including basic anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology and basic assessment methods and principles. There will be some overlap in this unit’s content with the Anatomy and Physiology unit. This unit will focus on more detailed aspects relevant to clinical practice as Healthcare Scientists specialising in audiology.

Students will be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• The Ear: describe the basic structure and function of the auditory system including outer, middle and inner ear (osseous labyrinth and membranous labyrinth); afferent, efferent auditory pathways, cranial nerves with specific emphasis on vestibular-cochlear nerve; neural coding including the generation of action potentials and synaptic transmission; hair-cell and cochlear nerve physiology and sound transduction; overview of pathophysiology, clinical and practical aspects of central, peripheral and vestibular disorders.
• Assessment of auditory function: understand the basic principles underpinning the routine investigations and procedures carried out in the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of service users referred to Audiology for the assessment and management of hearing loss.

Intellectual skills

• Make use of current research by evaluating it and applying it to clinical practice.
• Ability to grasp basic ideas as building blocks for further study.
• Understanding of the roles of some related health care professionals.

Practical skills

• Enhancement of presentational skills.
• Enhancement of writing skills/ exam technique and team/group work.

Transferable skills and personal qualities

• The ability to work as a team as well as independently.
• Use of blackboard to enhance learning. 

• Basic anatomy and physiology of the auditory system: the ear and ascending auditory pathways.
• Anatomical and functional assessment of the outer/middle and inner ear and auditory pathways.
• Investigations and procedures carried out in the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of hearing disorders.
• Introduction to physiological measurements involved in evaluation of hearing function.
• Reasons for referral and assessment of patient’s needs.
• Assessment of hearing loss in adults and children.
• Management of hearing loss in adults and children.

Lectures: face-to-face & blackboard based, directed reading, formative assessments, private study, mock assessment (online), tutorials/seminars and team-based learning.

1. Online MCQ tests and team-based learning (formative)
2. Semester one: MCQ exam (1 hour, 30%)
3. Semester two: MCQ and short answer question exam (2 hour, 70%)

Formative assessment, practical work and debates on an individual and group basis.

British Academy Of Audiology - BAA | British Academy of Audiology - Type: Website; Source: http://www.baaudiology.org/

British Society of Audiology Recommended procedures - Source: http://www.thebsa.org.uk/

Basic audiometry learning manual - Author: DeRuiter, Mark; Ramachandran, Virginia; Type: Book; Publication Date: c2010; Publisher: Plural Pub; ISBN: 1597563714 9781597563710; Place of publication: San Diego, Calif; Tags: Essential; Notes: This book contains tutorials which you can use to ensure you understand Audiometry and other core tests. It is particularly useful for learning about masking. Available At: Main Library Blue Area Floor 3 617.8075 DER.

Paediatric audiology 0-5 years - Author: McCormick, Barry; Type: Book; Edition: 3rd ed; Publication Date: 2003; Publisher: Whurr; ISBN: 1861562179; Place of publication: London; Tags: Further Reading; Available At: Main Library Blue Area Floor 3 618.920978 MCC; Store (Main Library) Store 618.920978 MCC.

RCCP Website - Type: Website; Source: http://www.rccp.co.uk/. 

Essentials of Audiology - Author: Stanley A. Gelfand; Type: Book; Pages: 639; Edition: 4 edition; Publication Date: 21 Mar. 2016; Publisher: Thieme Medical Publishers; 4 edition; ISBN: 9781604068610; OCLC Number: (OCoLC)ocn940559531; Place of publication: New York.