Module on Auditory Systems
5000
Credits: 3.0
Auditory Physiology and Psychoacoustics
This course will review our understanding of sound, i.e. the nature of acoustic signals, how we measure them, and important aspects of how sounds are transmitted to the ears. We will examine the structure and function of the auditory system from the ear to auditory cortex. The course will cover the basic mechanics and physiology of the middle ear and cochlea. We will examine in some detail hair cell mechanisms and the coding of sound signals by the cochlea. We will describe key features of central auditory processing, including brainstem mechanisms involved in sound localization and cortical processing of complex sounds including speech-related signals. We will discuss both physiological and behavioral measures of auditory function. Behavioral measures will include basic clinical tests of hearing (e.g. the audiogram) as well as more complex psychophysical assessments. These psychophysical tests include investigations of auditory function in the frequency (spectral) domain, in the temporal domain (timing information in sounds) and in the intensity domain (e.g. loudness measures). In all cases the behavioral measures will be considered for the normal auditory system and for subjects with various types and degrees of hearing problem.
Auditory System Disorders and Diseases
This course is designed to instruct students on important etiologies of hearing loss and related disorders affecting children and adults. Auditory disorders and diseases are reviewed following an anatomical sequence from the external ear to the central auditory system with an emphasis on those etiologies encountered most often in clinical audiology. Coverage of each disorder or disease includes information on prevalence, risk factors, mechanism(s), pathophysiology, medical management, patterns of auditory findings, and implications for general and hearing health. Importantly, a lecture in the course is entirely devoted to medical referral indications and guidelines. The final segment of the course provides an overview of the topic of clinical pharmacology.
Module on Basic Clinical Assessments
5001
Credits: 3.0
Diagnostic Clinical Procedures
This course is designed to provide a systematic, critical and practical review of current principles, procedures, and protocols for behavioral hearing assessment of children and adults. A substantial portion of the course is devoted to pure tone audiometry with air- and bone conduction stimulation and to speech audiometry. This discussion also includes the important topic of proper masking techniques to assure ear specific test findings. Valuable but less used techniques such as the audiometric Weber test and the sensorineural acuity level (SAL) test are also covered. The final segment of the course includes lectures on effective and efficient strategies for combining procedures into an evidence-based test battery for diagnosis of peripheral hearing loss and detection of central auditory nervous system dysfunction. An important topic covered in the course is the crosscheck principle. The discussion also includes special patient populations such as children and adults with false or exaggerated hearing loss.
Electro-acoustic Measurements in Audiology
This course is designed to review principles underlying electroacoustic measurements, specifically aural immittance measures and otoacoustic emissions, and their clinical applications. The course begins with a brief historical perspective emphasizing the long-tradition of research evidence supporting clinical application of aural immittance measurements. Important terms and relevant anatomy and physiology are defined. Measurement of aural immittance procedures is then explained in the context of clinical practice guidelines including multi-component and multiple-probe tone tympanometry, Eustachian tube dysfunction tests, and acoustic reflexes. Special attention is given to the diagnostic value of analysis of acoustic reflex threshold, latency, amplitude, and patterns for ipsilateral and contralateral conditions. Wideband absorbance/reflectance is also covered with emphasis on advantages in measurement of middle ear function in children. The remainder of the course focuses on otoacoustic emissions, including current thinking on mechanisms of generators, guidelines for measurement and analysis, and clinical applications in children and adults.
Module on Advanced Clinical Assessments
5002
Credits: 3.0
Electro-physiologic Measurements in Audiology
This course will focus on the principles of electrophysiological assessment of auditory
function. Recent advances in the assessment of hearing using auditory evoked responses across all age ranges and various evoked potential measures will be discussed. After successful completion of this course, students will have learned both basic and applied techniques in the measurement and interpretation of the neurophysiological and electrophysiological methods that are currently used to assess auditory function in adults and children.
Introduction to Vestibular Function
This course is designed to introduce students to the vestibular system, related disorders, and basic evaluation techniques. Following an anatomical sequence from the peripheral to central vestibular systems, a few common disorders are reviewed. Coverage of each disorder or disease includes information on prevalence, risk factors, mechanism(s), pathophysiology, medical management, patterns of symptomology. The final segment of the course provides an overview of the bedside evaluations of the Vestibular Ocular Reflex and Vestibular Spinal Reflex, and Videonystagmography overview.
Module on Pediatrics
5003
Credits: 3.0
Pediatric Audiology
Hearing assessment and management for infants, young children and people with developmental delays is crucial for minimize the developmental effects of hearing loss in these populations. This course will provide students with an understanding of the development of auditory behavior, overview of Early Hearing Detection and Intervention programs, developmentally-appropriate physiological and behavioral test techniques, and provision of amplification. Case studies and video examples will be used to reinforce key concepts.
Auditory Processing Disorders
This course is designed to provide students with a firm grasp of the neurobiological science underlying auditory processing disorders in children and information essential for the diagnosis and management of auditory processing disorders (APD) in pediatric populations. Students enrolled in the course will learn about how to diagnose auditory processing disorders (APD) and evidence-based intervention strategies. The course also introduces students to risk factors and special considerations in assessment and management of APD in older children and adults. After successful completion of this course, students should be able to use their skills and knowledge to develop auditory processing services to children and adults.
Module on Intervention Technologies
5004
Credits: 3.0
Hearing Technologies
This course is designed to introduce students to theoretical and practical information regarding modern hearing aids, develop an understanding of the mechanisms, advantages, and disadvantages of different hearing aid features, the selection, assessment, programming and fitting strategies consistent with evidence based methods. New developments in hearing aid technologies, signal processing strategies, verification, validation and outcome measures will be examined. Modern pre- and post-fitting measures will be reviewed and related to the selection and application of advanced hearing aid technology.
Implant Technologies and Sensory Aids
This course is also designed to introduce students to theoretical and practical information regarding implantable hearing technologies, its science and concepts behind electrical hearing. Focus will be on distinguishing acoustic hearing from electrical hearing, how cochlear implants work, and their clinical applications and limitations, binaural hearing and bi-modal implantation. Technologies for bone-anchored hearing aids and middle ear implants will also be reviewed along with candidacy, prognosis, patient selection and clinical outcomes for each of the implantable technologies.
Module on Auditory Rehabilitation
5005
Credits: 3.0
Auditory Rehabilitation
This course is intended to provide students with an understanding of the principles and practices associated with the audiologic rehabilitation of individuals with hearing impairment. Through lectures, textbook and journal readings and online discussions, students will gain the necessary knowledge and proficiency to provide clinical assessment and treatment services in audiologic rehabilitation and to effectively manage and enhance communication access for individuals who are hard of hearing within ASHA’s scope of practice for speech-language pathology and audiology. Students will develop knowledge and gain practical insights and understanding into the holistic approach to audiologic rehabilitation designed to minimize the sensory and psychosocial consequences of hearing loss in adults. Students will be encouraged and directed to critically evaluate the professional literature on audiologic rehabilitation.
Counseling in Audiology
Audiologists often report being unfamiliar with the help-seeking process and therefore feel under-prepared to provide support in this vital area of patient care. “Counseling in Audiology” is designed to provide support to audiologists interested in expanding their counseling skills. The course will afford an opportunity not only to learn and understand a set of basic counselling strategies, but also apply, discuss, and evaluate the effectiveness of these strategies. Research supporting counselling as an evidence-based practice will be fully explored.
Module on Basic Practices
5006
Credits: 3.0
Research Methods in Audiology
This course is designed to give students insight into study design and data analysis in audiologic research. Core concepts will be taught over the first four weeks of the course. During the last two weeks, these ideas will be applied to the analysis of two audiologic research studies.
Public Health & Humanitarian Audiology
This course is designed to review public health issues in audiology and determinants of hearing health status including cross-cultural differences in prevalence, racial and ethnic distribution of major forms of hearing loss and auditory dysfunction, the impact of hearing loss and auditory dysfunction on quality of life, preventive measures, and changing demographics over time within society. Portions of the course deal with public health implications and determinants of hearing health to include: 1) early hearing loss detection and intervention (EHDI) in children, 2) ototoxicity and diet, 3) personal and societal impact of sound induced hearing loss, 4) personal and societal impact of age- related hearing loss, and 4) tinnitus plus disorders of reduced sound tolerance.
The course also addresses psychosocial aspects of hearing loss for persons with hearing loss and their families in the context of public health. The latter segment of the course focuses on humanitarian audiology efforts to expand and improve the quality of hearing care globally with a special series of lectures on audiology applications of tele-health (tele-audiology). The course includes guest lectures from audiologists and other health professionals who specialize in public health issues and humanitarian audiology.
Clinical Skills Training
5007
Credits: 3.0
This course provides a detailed description of the function of the auditory system with special reference to aspects important to cochlear implantation. The course covers basic mechanics and physiology of auditory detection and transduction at the level of the cochlea, as well as important aspects in central auditory processing, giving emphasis to issues that are particularly relevant to electrical stimulation with cochlear implant systems. Includes detailed consideration of early development of the cochlea and central auditory pathways, as well as age related plasticity in the auditory brain, which will be linked to issues relating to cochlear implantation in children and in adults. Covers details about cochlear implant sound processing, cochlear electrode stimulation of neurons and other electrophysiological cochlear implant issues. Also reviews surgical procedures, and a range of medical considerations related to cochlear implant candidature (e.g. temporal bone malformations, multiple handicaps, genetic etiology etc.).
Module on Basic and Applied Sciences
6100
Credits: 3.0
Neurosciences of Cochlear Implants
This course provides a detailed description of the function of the auditory system with special reference to aspects important to cochlear implantation. The course covers basic mechanics and physiology of auditory detection and transduction at the level of the cochlea, as well as important aspects in central auditory processing, giving emphasis to issues that are particularly relevant to electrical stimulation with cochlear implant systems. Includes detailed consideration of early development of the cochlea and central auditory pathways, as well as age related plasticity in the auditory brain, which will be linked to issues relating to cochlear implantation in children and in adults. Covers details about cochlear implant sound processing, cochlear electrode stimulation of neurons and other electrophysiological cochlear implant issues. Also reviews surgical procedures, and a range of medical considerations related to cochlear implant candidature (e.g. temporal bone malformations, multiple handicaps, genetic etiology etc.).
Behavioral Assessment Issues in Cochlear Implants
Purpose of this course is to gain knowledge regarding the history of cochlear implants as well as candidacy criteria for the adult and pediatric populations. Learners will understand how to assess speech perception in adults and children with cochlear implants and to learn now to enhance performance with bilateral implantation, bimodal stimulation, and hearing assistance technology.
Module on Assessment Techniques
6101
Credits: 3.0
Programming in Cochlear Implant
Course examines the fundamental principles involved in the programming of cochlear implants for children and adults and addresses specific topics: basic hardware of cochlear implant systems; terminology associated with cochlear implant programming; clinical procedures utilized in programming cochlear implants; troubleshooting common complaints/complications associated with cochlear implant use, etc. Clinical case examples provided as a tool to illustrate common clinical practices and procedures in cochlear implant programming. Student should acquire a working knowledge that will facilitate the successful management of cochlear implant programming in clinical settings.
Objective Measures in Cochlear Implant
Discusses the range of objective measures which can be elicited in cochlear implant users. Addresses how these measures can be used to evaluate cochlear implant function/activity along auditory pathways in response to cochlear implant stimulation. In addition, the use of these measures to detect unwanted non-auditory responses to cochlear implant stimulation will be discussed. Students learn what equipment is necessary to obtain these measures and when to collect them. Current applications for these measures in both clinical and research settings discussed.
Module on Intervention Techniques
6102
Credits: 3.0
Aural Rehabilitation for Cochlear Implant Recipients
Focus on aural (re)habilitation for children and adults following cochlear implantation. Addresses auditory skill development and specific intervention strategies and techniques to maximize the auditory potential of pediatric and adult cochlear implant recipients. In addition, considerations to facilitate listening skills for special populations including the older implanted child, the multiply challenged child, and the bilingual child. Students given necessary knowledge and practical insight to engage families and educators to support cochlear implant recipients and to learn the essential components of the (re)habilitation process and current application in the clinical setting.
Emerging Issues and Case Studies
This course will cover emerging issues in a case study format. Topics such as bilateral implantation, electroacoustic stimulation and the preservation of hearing with different electrode arrays will be addressed. Other implantable devices will also be covered. Additionally, vestibular function in cochlear implant users will be discussed as well as quality of life and cost effectiveness considerations.
Workshop: Module on Rehabilitation and Professional Issues
6103
Credits: 3.0
Hearing Assessment and Identification in Infants and Young Children
This workshop will address the theoretical concepts of objective testing in infants and young children in audiology and provide training in the advanced assessment techniques to include theoretical and practical topics related to data acquisition and analysis of Auditory Brainstem Responses, Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE), discussion of the afferent and efferent pathways, frequency- specific Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR), tone-burst ABR, Auditory Steady State Response (ASSR), Middle Latency Responses (MLR), Late Potentials including N1-P2, P300, Mismatch Negativity (MMN), and Electrocochleography (EcochG). There will be particular emphasis on hands-on training and participants will be encouraged to bring case studies for review and class discussion.
Programming Cochlear Implants
This workshop will review theoretical and corresponding practical training in peripheral measurements including electrical ABR (EABR), electrical compound action potential (ECAP) and Neural Response Telemetry (NRT™), stapedial reflex threshold (ESRT), cortical auditory evoked responses. Practical tips on CI programming for complex cases will be discussed. Participants to the workshop are encouraged to bring complex cases for discussion as well. Bimodal and bilateral cochlear implants will be reviewed as well as an overview of surgical issues in cochlear implantation.
Cochlear Implants Supervised Clinical Training
6104
Credits: 3.0
The clinical training program for the MSc in Clinical Audiology program is embedded in the Fellowship programs and students are required to complete 150 hours of supervised clinical training in Cochlear Implants in order to complete all requirements for the MSc in Clinical Audiology degree. It is designed to train and equip students with the necessary clinical training to administer diagnostic procedures and to apply rehabilitative techniques and technologies consistent with current science and best practice methods. Students will receive guidance to apply knowledge of clinical methods gained through didactic courses while providing clinical services to the patient(s).
Module on Basic and Applied Science 1
6300
Credits: 3.0
Principles in Amplification
This course will systematically review and examine the factors that affect the (psycho)acoustics of sound perception with hearing loss and hearing aids. We will take an interdisciplinary approach and merge concepts from the fields of hearing science, audiology, physics and engineering to achieve the overall course objective.
Amplification 1: Signal Processing Strategies in Hearing Aid Fittings
This course will discuss several signal processing strategies commonly used in modern hearing aids. The specific topics to be addressed include: compression/expansion, directionality, noise reduction, feedback cancellation, frequency lowering, and wireless technology. Within each topic, students will learn the fundamental principles underlying the strategy, various approaches to obtaining a common objective, benefits and weaknesses of the technology, and methods for assessing efficacy and effectiveness. The course will involve lectures, discussion, and readings. After successful completion, students should feel comfortable in prescribing, fitting, evaluating and troubleshooting the signal processing strategies covered in this course.
Module on Basic and Applied Science 2
6301
Credits: 3.0
The Damaged Auditory System Peripheral and Implications for Amplification
Functional degradation as a result of hearing loss can take many forms depending on etiology, damage to the ear structures, progression of loss etc. This course will review studies on animal models and humans to provide students an insight into the consequences of auditory deprivation as it applies to identification of hearing loss as well as in intervention and rehabilitation of the hearing impaired persons.
Pediatric Amplification
Amplification is a crucial intervention for the vast majority of children with permanent hearing loss. The purpose of this class is to discuss basic and advanced topics related to pediatric amplification and provide evidence-based protocols for verifying and validating amplification for children. Hearing loss that occurs during development in inherently complex, as amplification must be adapted as children grow, develop and learn. Case studies will be used to illustrate important concepts and the variability observed in pediatric amplification outcomes.
Workshop: Module on Intervention Techniques
6302
Credits: 3.0
Amplification 2: Assessment, Selection & Outcome Measures in Hearing Aid Fittings
The prescription of hearing aids requires the management of the hearing aid prosthetic hardware, accessories, and supporting software. Clinically meaningful differences among all ears affect insitu hearing aids behaviors that, unless audiologically compensated for, may affect patient outcomes and lessen the likelihood of successful patient outcomes. Accommodating for individual ear acoustics and ear-coupling methods requires insitu measurement of the hearing aid response or calculation of the real-ear to coupler difference. A practical component of this course include completion of clinically routine measurements and electroacoustic verification of acoustic signal processing. As complementary quality control, students will verify the performance characteristics of hearing aids in accordance with relevant ANSI standards.
Assistive Listening Technologies
Generally relegated to relatively low priority in the audiology professional’s tool kit, Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs) are poised to play an increasingly vital augmentative, and sometimes central, communication enhancement option for clinical intervention of the hearing impaired individual. Determining the candidacy and utilitarian appropriateness of the wide variety of systems and units in the constellation of ALDs is a skill set that requires extending beyond clinical and medical audiology to full appreciation of the full ecosystem of a patient. Besides introducing the multiple options of systems (e.g. FM, Induction, Blue Tooth, Telecoil) in terms of Signal to Noise improvement prospects, the compatibilities and incompatibilities of systems with various hearing aids and hearing aid options need to be understood.
Module on Rehabilitation and Professional Issues
6303
Credits: 3.0
Issues in Aging: Tinnitus and Hyperacusis
This course focuses on teaching what a clinician should know to provide effective tinnitus clinical services. The course will cover different types and characteristics of tinnitus, how tinnitus can affect people, why tinnitus impacts only certain people, and how tinnitus is evaluated and treated in the clinic using established, research-based methods [cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT and third-wave CBT), tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT), tinnitus activities treatment (TAT), and progressive tinnitus management (PTM) and tele-PTM]. Related topics include referral criteria, sound therapy, auditory gain, and tinnitus questionnaires and other measures. In addition, sound tolerance disorders (hyperacusis, misophonia, noise sensitivity, and phonophobia) will be described along with their clinical management.
Emerging Trends in Amplification
This course will explore recent, emerging, and reasonably predictable trends associated with a wide range of amplification-related topics likely to impact on the selection and fitting of hearing aids to include emerging technologies, social and economic forces, clinician education models, automation, machine-learning and artificial intelligence, distribution models, and the politics/policies likely to influence future hearing health care delivery.
Hearing Aids Supervised Clinical Training
6304
Credits: 3.0
The clinical training program for the MSc in Clinical Audiology program is embedded in the Fellowship programs and students are required to complete 150 hours of supervised clinical training in Hearing Aids in order to complete all requirements for the MSc in Clinical Audiology degree. It is designed to train and equip students with the necessary clinical training to administer diagnostic procedures and to apply rehabilitative techniques and technologies consistent with current science and best practice methods. Students will receive guidance to apply knowledge of clinical methods gained through didactic courses while providing clinical services to the patient(s).
