Hearing Devices and Rehabilitation A

Subject AUDI90023 (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

Credit Points: 25
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2011:

Year Long, Parkville - 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: Lectures and practical sessions: 80 hours Clinics: 40 hours
Total Time Commitment: 240 hours (approx 8 hours per week)
Prerequisites: Nil
Corequisites: Clinical Audiology A, Acoustics and Perception of Sound and Speech.
Recommended Background Knowledge: N/A
Non Allowed Subjects: N/A
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website : http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Coordinator

Ms Angela Marshall

Contact

Ms Cathryn Williams
cathrynw@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview: This subject introduces the student to the foundations of hearing aids and aural rehabilitation.
The subject explores the following aspects of hearing aids – their design and operation, measurement of electroacoustic characteristics such as gain and compression (both in the ear and in a coupler), when to recommend hearing aids, styles/features/options available and the appropriate selection of these for the hearing-impaired individual, earmoulds and venting, realistic expectations for the aid user, management of problems arising with aid use (e.g. feedback, occlusion) and the evaluation of outcomes.
Students will also have the opportunity to learn about the psychological and social problems experienced by hearing impaired adults, the development and implementation of individualised aural rehabilitation programs, tinnitus, speech reading, communication strategies, the evaluation of communication function, assistive listening devices, the medical aspects of ageing, audiology and vision impairment, and aural rehabilitation for elderly clients.
Objectives: On completion of this subject, students should be able to:
  • Describe the operation of a hearing aid (including omni-directional and directional microphones, automatic noise reduction, feedback cancellation, amplification and compression)
  • Apply knowledge of hearing aid styles/features/options to make recommendations in case studies
  • Apply knowledge of earmoulds/venting to make recommendations in case studies.
  • Interpret results of electroacoustic tests in the coupler.
  • Describe the various methods for measuring real ear amplification and identify potential sources of error.
  • Discuss expectations for hearing aids users in general terms.
  • Explain the reasons for problems associated with hearing aid use and suggest possible management in case studies.
  • Administer outcome assessments and understand the dimensions being assessed. Demonstrate an understanding of the emotional problems experienced by hearing impaired adults.
  • Be able to develop and implement rehabilitation programs to suit individual needs.Be able to present verbal and written information clearly and effectively to hearing impaired individuals and those involved in their welfare.
Assessment: A one-hour written exam at the end of semester 1 – 25%
A case study due in the 12th week of semester 2 – 15%
An OSCE exam incorporating 2 stations at the end of semester 2 – 10%
A two hour written examination at the end of semester 2 – 50%
Students must pass both written examinations in order to pass this subject.
Prescribed Texts: Nil
Recommended Texts: Hearing Aids, Dillon, H., 2001, Boomerang Press is recommended reading.

ISBN 1-58890-052-5

Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills: At the completion of this subject, students should be able to demonstrate:
• critical thinking, analytical and problem solving skills
• the ability to integrate theory and practice and to apply this in novel situations
• an openness to new ideas
• planning and time management skills
• the ability to communicate their knowledge in both oral and written form
• the ability to behave in a professionally appropriate manner
Related Course(s): Master of Clinical Audiology

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