Hearing Devices A

Subject 577-871 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbookSearch for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Graduate/Postgraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 50 hours lectures and practical work.
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: Nil
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability
Subject Overview: This subject covers the following topics:
  • the design and operation of hearing aids;
  • features/options available in hearing aids;
  • selection of appropriate features;
  • measurement of hearing aid electroacoustic characteristics;
  • earmoulds and venting;
  • prescriptive gain;
  • frequency response and MPO selection (including NAL prescriptive procedures);
  • verification techniques (including insertion gain);
  • counselling regarding expectations and use of hearing aids;
  • management of problems arising with hearing aid use (including feedback and the occlusion effect);
  • evaluation of outcomes; and
  • considerations when fitting hearing aids for infants and young children.
Prescribed Texts: None
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills: This subject is designed to enable students to develop:
  • the ability to select and evaluate appropriate device(s) for hearing impaired clients;
  • the ability to critically assess different hearing aid selection and fitting procedures and;
  • the ability to integrate information obtained from a variety of sources including electro-acoustic and real-ear measures and subjective reports.

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • utilise theoretical concepts about hearing aids in the clinical hearing aid fitting situation;
  • explain, in lay terms to hearing impaired clients, the likely benefits and limitations of various hearing aid features; and
  • critically evaluate published material about hearing aids.
Related Course(s): Graduate Diploma in Audiological Science

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