Cochlear Implants

Subject 577-620 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 30 contact hours.
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: See Notes below.
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:
  • Introduction to the history of electrical stimulation of the auditory nerve and the development of cochlear implants, with emphasis on the development of the nucleus cochlear implant;
  • The development of speech processing strategies; psychophysics of electrical stimulation of the auditory nerve and relationship to speech coding; the theory and practice of patient selection for the cochlear implant procedure and the tests associated with selection;
  • Evaluation using speech perception and other tests;
  • Theory and practice of programming the speech processor;
  • Pre-operative counselling of cochlear implant candidates;
  • Post-operative rehabilitation and habilitation of cochlear implant recipients (adults and children);
  • Other sensory aids for the profoundly deaf.
Assessment: 70%: Two-hour written examination; 30%: Written assignments.
Prescribed Texts: None
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills: On completion of this subject students should be able to:
  • apply audiological assessment techniques to accurately evaluate a severe to profoundly hearing impaired individual;
  • apply communication skills to convey information to peers and colleagues regarding patient care and management;
  • apply communication skills to effectively counsel candidates regarding cochlear implants;
  • apply communication skills to effectively rehabilitate/habilitate cochlear implant recipients;
  • apply audiological skills to manage and assess cochlear implants patients pre and post operatively;
  • plan and manage time effectively in conducting all aspects of pre and post operative cochlear implant patient care;
  • develop a management plan for patients for whom a cochlear implant is not appropriate understand the technical advances and limitations of cochlear implant technology.

Notes:

Students must successfully complete the Graduate Diploma in Audiological Science, or obtain departmental approval, before undertaking this subject.

Related Course(s): Master of Clinical Audiology

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