George S. Osborne College of Audiology

Distance Education

Advanced Studies in Cochlear Implants Certificate Program

Learning Objectives

The Learning Objectives of the Advanced Studies in Cochlear Implants are designed so that the graduates will:

• Understand and learn to apply principles of auditory physiology as it relates to cochlear implants while working with recipients of cochlear implants. 
• Learn the various issues related to surgical considerations in cochlear implants.
• Develop an understanding of the psychophysics and speech perception of the severe and profoundly hearing-impaired.
• Employ critical thinking skills to address issues relating to evaluation procedures, test battery for assessing cochlear implant candidacy, habilitation/rehabilitation methods and outcome measures.
• Develop the ability to compare and contrast various issues related to programming, speech processors and speech coding algorithms. 
• Understand and gain further insight into the electro-physiological measures as it relates to cochlear implantation. 
• Develop insight into counseling parents, teachers, cochlear implant recipients and other caregivers and learn to communicate effectively with regard to the cochlear implant process and set realistic expectations.
• Understand the nuances of auditory development in the pediatric population, and develop particular expertise in managing appropriate intervention and recommendations for academic and classroom management of the pediatric cochlear implant recipient.
• Gain an understanding of epidemiology and risk factors associated with hearing loss and deafness and understand the complicated interactions among the social, cultural, cost/benefit and Quality of Life issues as it relates to the provision of cochlear implant services.
• Understand the business aspects relating to operating a cochlear implant practice in a clinic or hospital.

02/013/2012