BSc Healthcare Science (Audiology)

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

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.

• 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 & Canvas based
• Directed reading
• Formative assessments
• Private study
• Mock assessment (online)
• Tutorials/seminars and team-based learning

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. 

• 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 

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

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

Formative Assessment/Feedback: Online MCQ tests and team-based learning

Semester one: MCQ exam - 30%

Semester two: MCQ and short answer question exam - 70%

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

Core eTextbook: Essentials of audiology. Gelfand, Stanley A. 

• Gelfand SA. Essentials of Audiology . Fifth edition. (Calandruccio L, ed.). Thieme; 2023. https://read.kortext.com 

Main 

• Graham JM, Baguley D, eds. Ballantyne’s Deafness /. 7th ed. Wiley-Blackwell,; 2009. 
• Ophtho Book (free book and lecture series). https://timroot.com/ophthobook/
• Katz J. Handbook of Clinical Audiology. 6th ed. Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2009
• British Academy Of Audiology - BAA | British Academy of Audiology. https://www.baaudiology.org/ 
• Taylor IG, Markides Andreas, eds. British Society of Audiology. Published 1980. http://www.thebsa.org.uk/ 
• DeRuiter M, Ramachandran V. Basic Audiometry Learning Manual. Vol Core clinical concepts in audiology. Plural Pub; 2010. 
• McCormick B. Paediatric Audiology 0-5 Years. 3rd ed. Whurr; 2003. 
• BSA Recommended Procedure Pure-Tone Air-Conduction and Bone-Conduction Threshold Audiometry with and without Masking. http://www.thebsa.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Recommended-Procedure-Pure-Tone-Audiometry-August-2018-V2.pdf 
• Bess FH, Humes LE. Audiology: The Fundamentals. 4th ed. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2008. 
• SpringerLink (Online service). The Clinical Neurophysiology Primer. Humana Press; 2007. http://link.springer.com/book/10.1007%2F978-1-59745-271-7
• RCCP Website. http://www.rccp.co.uk/ 

For Information and advice on Link2Lists reading list software, see:  

• https://www.library.manchester.ac.uk/using-the-library/staff/reading-lists/