BSc Healthcare Science (Audiology) / Course details

This unit covers the basics of hearing aids, how their performance is measured and the processes involved in fitting them to adult patient requirements.

The unit aims to:

• Provide knowledge and understanding of hearing instruments that will enable you to work as an Audiologist and/or Hearing Aid Dispenser.

Students will be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• List and describe the sequential steps involved in the fitting process from assessment through to evaluation in relation to use of hearing aids in adults.
• Describe a wide range of hearing aid types and explain the basic construction and function of hearing aids.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the range of types and properties of ear impressions, earmoulds and modifications (types, vents, horns etc), thin tubes and domes and their effects on the properties of sounds.
• Describe the features available in advanced signal processing hearing aid, and how they are implemented to meet the needs of individuals.
• Describe the inter-relationship between variables and illustrate how this can be achieved using acoustic correction factors when selecting amplification characteristics.
• Outline the role of audibility in the application of hearing aid prescription methods.
• Describe the most common prescription methods used for selecting amplification characteristics.
• Describe the use of probe-tube microphone measurements to select and verify performance in the real ear of hearing aid users.
• Apply and interpret outcome measures in clinical practice.
• Interpret the output of a hearing aid from a test box.
• Demonstrate awareness of the range of assistive listening devices.

Intellectual skills

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

Practical skills

• (see Practicals & Clinics II unit).

Transferable skills and personal qualities

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

• Sequential steps in the fitting process from assessment through to evaluating outcome.
• Basic hearing instrument models and components.
• Ear impressions, earmoulds, flexitubes and domes.
• Hearing instrument specification and test box measures.
• Amplifying speech.
• Prescription methods used to select amplification characteristics.
• Acoustic transfer and transform functions.
• Real-ear selection and verifying procedures.
• Hearing instrument technology.
• Evaluation of amplification in adults; SII, questionnaires and speech tests.
• Assistive listening devices.
• NHS and private sector provision of hearing instruments.

The learning processes will include online lectures, interactive tutorials, directed reading and private study. In addition, there are related laboratory/practical sessions located within the Clinical Placement II Unit.

1. Written exam (2 hours, 60%)
2. Portfolio assignment (2000 words, 40%)

Formative assessments will be provided using quizzes and past and mock examination papers.

Dillon, H. (2012). Hearing Aids. Boomerang Press, Sydney.

Metz, M.J. (2014) Sandlin's Textbook of Hearing Aid Amplification, Plural.

Venema, T.H. (2017) Compression for Clinicians (3rd edition). UK: Thompson Delmar Learning.

Schaub, A. (2008) Digital Hearing Aids. Thieme.