Specialist Certificate in Hearing Science

This course will broaden the knowledge and skills in hearing and audiological sciences for professionals in other health &/or education disciplines. Graduates will be able to contextualise and integrate a more interdisciplinary translation of practice into their own area of practice to make a difference in the lives of individuals with communication and functional audiological impairment.

Students will be introduced to acoustics, speech perception, anatomy, physiology and auditory development and function across the lifespan. Later, attention will be paid to the areas of pathophysiology and its impact on biomedical and biopsychosocial functions. Measurement and rehabilitation tools are explored with the intention of facilitating an understanding of the degree of functional impairment in the context of the individual’s environment in an effort to facilitate the development and implementation of person-centred management plans.

The Specialist Certificate in Hearing Science is a 25 point online coursework program consisting of one 25 point subject; Audiological Science (25 points)

This subject provides an integrated program of learning focusing on the theoretical knowledge to inform the beginning level of understanding of audiological science.

On successful completion of the Specialist Certificate in Hearing Science the student should be able to;

1. Identify and consider the role of the audiologist and other multidisciplinary team members in the management of individuals with hearing impairment.
2. Demonstrate a sound understanding of the scientific knowledge and research based evidence that underpins skills development specific to audiological practice.
3. Apply theoretical knowledge to understand the practice of providing care to individuals experiencing auditory impairment and well-being that require audiological interventions.
4. Apply assessment findings and knowledge of the individual and their environment to propose and justify appropriate interventions which address the impairments and activity limitations in individuals with hearing impairment.
5. Develop, apply and transmit appropriate communication strategies to and for the hearing impaired individual.
6. Interpret and evaluate the use of measurement and rehabilitation tools in the practice of audiology.
7. Critically evaluate the known barriers and facilitators that contribute to an individual’s intervention success.

The Specialist Certificate in Hearing Science (25 points) is designed to provide graduates with the foundations in audiological science. Graduates will broaden their professional impact in making a difference in the lives of individuals with communication and functional audiological impairment within their existing professional context.

The course will be delivered online over a 12 week period from January.

There is one compulsory subject;

• Audiological science (25 points)

Core subject

1. 1. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed;
   • A bachelor degree in a health or education related discipline.

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.

2. In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider:

• prior academic performance

The Specialist Certificate in Hearing Science welcomes applications from students with disabilities. It is University and degree 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 degree.

For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this course are articulated in the Course Overview, Objectives 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 course are encouraged to discuss this matter with the Student Equity and Disability Support Team: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Graduates may progress to the Master of Clinical Audiology and a range of other graduate coursework programs.

• The capacity to critically think, problem-solve, and to seek retrieve and evaluate information related to hearing science and audiological practice.
• Well-developed oral communication skills necessary to influence and facilitate communication breakdown related to hearing impairment.
• Proficiency in critical appraisal and research utilisation.
• Mastery of knowledge and skills to support transmission into their own professional context.
• Expand their analytical and cognitive skills through learning experiences in diverse subjects.
• Engage in meaningful public discourse, with an awareness of the communities hearing healthcare needs.

At the completion of this course, student should be able to demonstrate:

• The development of skills in practical thinking, clinical reasoning and decision making.
• The capacity for information seeking, retrieval and evaluation.
• Critical thinking and analytical skills.
• The ability to communicate scientific knowledge through oral, written web based media.
• The openness to new ideas.
• Empathy and a shared understanding of the needs of other individuals concerns and priorities.
• Critical use of decision-making skills with an awareness of the factors that inform their decisions.
• Construction and expression of logical arguments in the application of evidence.
• Self-directed learning as the basis of lifelong learning skills.
• Communication repair strategies.