BSc Healthcare Science (Audiology) / Course details

This unit covers the generation and perception of tinnitus and evidence-based approaches and methods for assessment and rehabilitation.

The unit aims to:

• To provide knowledge and understanding of theories of tinnitus, its assessment and management in the context of evidence-based practice.

Students will be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• Describe the current theories of tinnitus generation and perception.
• Describe methods used to assess and evaluate the impact of tinnitus on individuals.
• Explain habituation and psychological management models.
• Describe the role of hearing aids and sound therapy in tinnitus management.
• Describe the role of stress management in tinnitus management.
• Identify the services available to people who experience tinnitus.
• Identify the functions and roles of other healthcare and social care staff involved in the assessment and management of tinnitus.

Intellectual skills

• Scholarly conduct including academic reading, critical thinking and analysis, and persuasion through rational argument.
• Evidence based practice in tinnitus assessment and rehabilitation.

Practical skills

• Use of IT to assist clinical decisions.
• Use of library and electronic resources.
• Poster preparation and presentation.

Transferable skills and personal qualities

• Independent study.

• Epidemiology of tinnitus.
• Theories of tinnitus generation and perception.
• Pathophysical / pathophysiological aspects of tinnitus.
• Methods of assessment and evaluation of tinnitus.
• Psychosocial effects of tinnitus.
• Psychological management of tinnitus.
• Stress management and relaxation therapies.
• Role of amplification and sound therapy in tinnitus management.
• Drug therapies in tinnitus management.

The learning processes will include lectures, directed reading and private study. Formative assessments will be provided using online quizzes. There will also be a blended e-learning element to this unit that will include structured directed reading and tasks to be carried out during clinical placement.

1. MCQs (1 hour, 50%)
2. Poster preparation and presentation (50%)

Formative feedback via MCQ quizzes and individual and group feedback will be provided for poster preparation and presentation.

More specific references will be provided in lectures.

Moller, A. et. al. (2011) Textbook of Tinnitus: Diagnosis and Treatment (Springer).

Tyler, R. (2000) Tinnitus Handbook. Singular