BSc Healthcare Science (Audiology) / Course details

The course focuses on aspects relevant to paediatric audiology. Topics include epidemiology & aetiology of childhood hearing losses, child development, screening, assessment and management.

The unit aims to:

• To provide knowledge and understanding of current day theories and evidence based practices of paediatric audiology assessment and management.

Knowledge and understanding

• Outline epidemiology, aetiology and risk factors of childhood hearing loss.
• Identify screening principles and practices and describe the ethos of new-born hearing screening.
• Demonstrate knowledge of child development.
• Demonstrate knowledge of how to obtain an appropriate case history.
• Demonstrate knowledge of behavioural assessment techniques including VRA, Co-operative, McCormick toy test, Distraction, Performance, Play and BOA.
• Demonstrate knowledge of objective measures including oto-admittance, ABR and OAEs.
• Demonstrate understanding of appropriate selection and interpretation of assessment procedures through the use of case studies.
• Demonstrate knowledge of epidemiology, risk factors, sequalae, management of OME.
• Identify the importance of multi-agency working in support and management of deaf children.
• Understand current child protection regulations relevant to practice as a Healthcare Science Practitioner.
• Understand the patient and carer perspective with respect to the NHS, diversity of the patient experience, healthcare, illness and disability, including an understanding of the impact of life threatening and critical conditions.
• Illustrate the impact of deafness on the family and their role in management issues.

Intellectual skills

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

Practical skills

• Use of library and electronic resources.
• Partake and select a paediatric case from practice, critique and analyse appropriate assessment strategies and habilitation techniques used.
• Apply the scientific principles covered in this module to practice.
• Apply current regulations with respect to patient safety and safe systems within the work-base including child protection and the use of chaperones.
• Demonstrate the ability to treat paediatric patients their families/caregivers with respect.

Transferable skills and personal qualities

• Use of library and electronic resources.
• Critical and analytical skills.
• Presentation skills.
• Respect and uphold the rights dignity and privacy of patients their families/caregivers.
• Establish patient-centred rapport.
• Actively seek accurate and validated information from all available sources.
• Select and apply appropriate analysis of assessment techniques and tools.

• Epidemiology, aetiology and risk factors.
• Screening & surveillance, new-born hearing screening.
• Child development.
• History taking.
• Behavioural assessment techniques (VRA, Co-operative, McCormick toy test, Distraction, Performance, Play and BOA.).
• Objective assessment techniques (Oto-admittance, ABR and OAEs).
• Case studies.
• Otitis media with effusion.
• Child protection regulations.
• Multi-agency approaches to management of deaf children.
• Impact of deafness on the family, the carer perspectives, sharing news.

Lectures, self directed study, problem-solving learning, online learning, enquiry-based learning (EBL), discussion, report writing, presenting,  directed and related reading and private study (and associated laboratory sessions in Clinical Placement and Practical Skills module).

1. Team-based learning (formative)
2. Team-based learning (3 activities, pass/fail)
3. Paediatric case study presentation with supporting report (10 minute presentation, 1000 word report, 100%)

Formative Assessment (inc. Clinical Cases, quiz, EBL, report writing), feedback via EBL sessions and discussion.

Howard, J. (2017) Mary D. Sheridan's Play in Early Childhood: From Birth to Six Years. 4th edn. London: Routlege. ISBN: 9781138655911.

McCormick, B. (2004). Paediatric Audiology 0-5 Years. 3rd edn. London: Whurr. ISBN: 1861562179.

Northern, JL, Downs M. (2013). Hearing in Children. 6th edn. San Diego: Plural Publishing Inc. ISBN: 1597563927.