Course Descriptions

Cochlear Implants and Other Implantable Devices

7001

Credits: 1.5

This course is designed to provide students with a clear understanding of the scientific principles and a review of advances in technology of cochlear implants (CI) and other implantable devices including the bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA), active middle ear implants (AMEI) and auditory brainstem implant (ABI). This course will review history of cochlear implants, regulatory role of cochlear implants and other implantable devices and overview of components and function of these devices. Students will learn basics of electrical stimulation and signal processing strategies used in implantable devices, behavioral and objective assessment techniques, candidacy criteria and factors affecting outcomes, measurement tools for children and adults.

Advanced Auditory Biology 1: Peripheral &Central Auditory Mechanisms

7002

Credits: 1.5

This course provides a detailed description of the structure and function of the auditory system. The course covers basic mechanics and physiology of auditory detection and transduction at the level of the cochlea, as well as important aspects of central auditory processing.

Sound Transmission into the Cochlea

7004

Credits: 1.5

This course examines sound transmission in normal and abnormal ears. This includes sound transmission from the sound field to the entrance of the ear, transmission through the ear canal, conversion of the acoustic signal to mechanical vibrations at the eardrum, transmission of these vibrations through the middle ear to the cochlea and processing of these signals by the cochlea. The effect of hearing loss at each of these stages will be discussed. Concepts such as reflectance, admittance, group delay and resonance will be explained in terms relevant to audiology. After successful completion of this course, the student will have acquired a working knowledge of sound transmission from the sound field to the cochlea and the effects of hearing loss at each stage of the sound transmission path.

Evidence-based Audiology: Transitioning from Research to Clinic & Adoption of Best Practices in Audiology

7005

Credits: 1.5

Evidence-based practice is the use of current best evidence in making decisions about individual patients. It involves formulating a question, searching for information, appraisal of the literature, implementation and subsequent audit. This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge of evidence-based audiology, its principles, and how it is used in everyday clinical decision making in Audiology.

Pediatric Audiology: Current Trends in Behavioral Assessment

7006

Credits: 1.5

This course reviews the fundamental principles in behavioral audiometric assessment of young children and patients with developmental delay/cognitive impairment. The cross-check principle, incorporating aspects of objective test measures with results of behavioral testing, will be used to help students develop clinical decision-making skills for pediatric patients with hearing loss. Clinical case examples will be provided as a tool to illustrate clinical practices. After successful completion of this course, the student should acquire a working knowledge that will facilitate the successful behavioral evaluation of hearing in children.

Genetics and Hearing Loss

7007

Credits: 1.5

Students will study the basic concepts of genetics and its relation to hearing loss. They also will learn about the hereditary syndromes and birth defects associated with hearing impairments. Additionally, they will gain knowledge about audiologic counseling and interpretation of genetic data.

Topics in Pediatric Hearing

7008

Credits: 1.5

This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of contemporary, evidence-based practice for the fitting of hearing aids for the pediatric population. After successful completion of this course, students should be able to use the skills/knowledge developed throughout this course to provide hearing aid services (entry-level competence) to children with hearing loss and their families.

Auditory Processing Disorders: Behavioral Issues

7009

Credits: 1.5

The general objective of this course is to provide students with an understanding of diagnostic procedures and management strategies for auditory processing disorders (APD). The emphasis will be on the neurobiological basis of APD, differential diagnosis, and management. 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.

Early Hearing Detection in Infants (EHDI)

7010

Credits: 1.5

The course will address issues relating to risk factors for hearing loss, infant hearing screening protocols and construction of a program for Early Hearing Detection in Infants.

Otoacoustic Emissions

7011

Credits: 1.5

This course will discuss the fundamentals of Otoacoustic Emissions (OAEs) generation, recording and interpretation. The course will address the following specific topics: cochlear physiology, types of OAEs, OAE in clinical populations, recording techniques, interpretation, and inclusion in clinical protocols. Clinical cases will be provided to illustrate the role of OAE in hearing loss diagnosis. After successful completion of this course, the student should acquire a working knowledge to properly use and successfully interpret OAEs in clinical populations.

Auditory Evoked Potentials in Pediatric & Adult ABR

7012

Credits: 1.5

This course will focus on advances in the application of electrophysiological techniques in the measurement 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.

Advanced Electrophysiology

7013

Credits: 1.5

The general objective of this course is to provide students with an understanding of the electrophysiological basis for auditory processing disorders (APD). The emphasis will be on neurobiological, neurological, and neuro-maturational correlates to Auditory Processing Disorders.

Medical Audiology

7014

Credits: 1.5

This course will systematically review etiologies, diseases, and disorders that can cause hearing loss. Practical information will be provided about evaluation (differential diagnostics) and appropriate referral and management.

Counseling in Audiology

7015

Credits: 1.5

This course will describe the basics of patient- and family-centered care and an introductory set of counseling skills, including counseling with cultural humility. Long-term success in audiologic care depends on building positive and supportive patient relationships. Health literacy and patient education will also be discussed. Research supporting counseling as an evidence-based practice will be fully explored.

Advanced Auditory Biology 2: Vestibular & Balance System

7102

Credits: 1.5

This course provides a detailed description of the structure and function of the vestibular system. The course will cover basic mechanics and physiology of angular and linear motion detection and transduction at the level of the peripheral vestibular system as well as important central vestibular pathways. The course will cover details of normal vestibular function as well as pathophysiology. The course will include consideration of the early development of the peripheral and central vestibular reflexes, as well as age related adaptation mechanisms. These concepts will be linked to issues relating to various vestibular pathologies. In general, the basic science concepts will be related to clinical issues in the evaluation of the vestibular system, as a way of providing insight into underlying deficiencies, and thus providing insight into improved diagnosis and treatment.

Intaoperative Neurophysiologic Monitoring

7103

Credits: 1.5

This course will provide an overview of principles and applications of neurophysiologic intraoperative monitoring (IOM) for audiologists. Following a general overview of objectives and goals of IOM , and a review of pertinent evoked potentials and electromygraphy, lectures will focus on general principles of IOM. Discussions will include case examples involving multiple cranial nerve monitoring, with practical recommendations of how to optimize the acquisition of electrophysiologic data in an electrically hostile environment – the operating room.

Assessment & Rehabilitation of Vestibular & Balance System

7104

Credits: 1.5

The purpose of this course is to gain knowledge regarding vestibular and balance assessment techniques and treatment options for a variety of vestibular and balance disorders.

Tinnitus and Hyperacusis

7105

Credits: 1.5

This course will address tinnitus and hyperacusis, including psychological and physiological models, symptoms, diagnostic methods and treatment options. This course will facilitate the ability to offer tinnitus and hyperacusis management in a clinical practice.

Amplification 1: Signal Processing Strategies in Digital Hearing Aids

7106

Credits: 1.5

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 translation, 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, problem-solving cases (with discussion), and literature review. After successful completion, students should feel comfortable in prescribing, fitting, evaluating and troubleshooting the signal processing strategies covered in this course.

Amplification 2: Assessment, Selection & Outcome Measures in Hearing Aid Fittings

7107

Credits: 1.5

This course will focus on all aspects of the selection and fitting of amplification. Candidacy, pre-fitting measures, real-ear measures, speech testing, and outcome measures will be addressed. Particular focus will be placed on matching patient characteristics and needs with appropriate technology. Best practice guidelines will be reviewed. After completion of this course, students should be able to identify patient specific characteristics that are critical in the fitting process, efficiently identify solutions, and conduct verification and outcome measures to ensure that maximal benefit is obtained by the patient.

Psychoacoustics & Audiological Correlates

7108

Credits: 1.5

This course will discuss behavioral measures of auditory function and how they may be affected by hearing impairments. It will address methodology, indices of spectral, temporal and binaural processing, and how these processes relate to the perception of complex stimuli. After successful completion of this course, the student should acquire a working knowledge of the supra-threshold auditory processes that impact hearing function in normal hearing listeners and those with hearing impairments.

Cognition, Speech Perception, & Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Implications of Amplification

7109

Credits: 1.5

This course will examine the nature of how we understand speech, especially in complex, challenging listening environments. We will draw from the field of ecological acoustics and Gestalt psychology. We will look at the effects of sensori-neural hearing loss (SNHL) from the perspective of how it disrupts the normal organizational processes involved in speech understanding. In addition, we will examine the effects of normal aging on cognitive function, with an eye towards the combined effects of SNHL and cognitive changes. Hearing aid technologies will be reviewed within the context of how they can support normal cognitive organizational processes. Finally, the role of non-technology rehabilitation will be studied.

Aural Rehabilitation

7110

Credits: 1.5

This course focuses on advances in audiologic rehabilitation as they relate to children and adults with hearing loss. We will explore the role of aural rehabilitation in audiologic practice and consider the effect that psychosocial and cultural factors have on the patients with whom we work. Current rehabilitation strategies and techniques used for children and adults will be discussed along with outcome measures that are available to help audiologists assess their patients’ success and function. Advances in hearing assistance technology will be reviewed and discussed with regard to incorporating such technology into audiologic practice.

School-Based Audiology

7111

Credits: 1.5

This course will discuss the unique aspects of audiology that apply to school-based audiology services. Topics include demographic and educational characteristics of children with hearing loss, management of hearing identification and hearing loss prevention programs, classroom listening and assessment beyond the sound booth, classroom acoustics, hearing assistive technology, current issues in deaf education, regulations and case law, IFSP/IEP/504 Plans, self-advocacy and transition from school to work, and school program management considerations. A problem-based learning approach will be used to illustrate issues and to develop potential solutions. After successful completion of this course, the student should acquire a working knowledge that will facilitate the successful implementation of a school-based audiology program.

Pharmacology and Ototoxicity

7112

Credits: 1.5

This course will provide a survey of the general principles of pharmacology and the application of these principles to patient care situations. Evidence-based practice is woven through the above areas where available and appropriate. This course will cover an introduction to pharmacology and receptors, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics basic principles, processes of drug development and a description of governing bodies for pharmaceutical agents. The course will also include information on the mechanisms of action behind known/suspected ototoxic agents.

Green Audiology: Hearing Loss Prevention and Preservation

7113

Credits: 1.5

This course will address the hazards of noise and risks from noise exposure on hearing in all age groups. Students will learn noise measurement techniques, screening programs to identify and prevent noise-induced hearing loss, noise abatement strategies in workplace as well as in various social spaces and regulatory requirements relating to occupational hearing loss.

Global Audiology Care & Tele-Audiology

7114

Credits: 1.5

The goal of this course is to provide international students with a clear understanding of the delivery of audiology services via tele-health, now referred to as “tele-audiology”. The course begins with a discussion of tele-health in general. This is followed with a description of teleaudiology principles, terminology, and service delivery models including asynchronous (store and-forward) and synchronous (online or real time) paradigms. The substantial literature on teleaudiology is reviewed with an emphasis on validation studies for a wide range of hearing health care services ranging from identification and diagnosis of hearing loss and related disorders (e.g., tinnitus and vestibular/balance disorders) to rehabilitation services. Much of the course incudes practical information about how to apply tele-audiology in clinical practice, including equipment and personnel requirements, billing issues, as well as current options for “low” or “no touch” options for remote delivery of audiological care. The final portion of the course focuses on global audiology issues, among them the burden of hearing loss in the world, inadequacy of audiology resources world-wide, and sustainable solutions to hearing health care delivery in developing countries, such as social entrepreneurship.

Advanced Seminars in Audiology 1

7130

Credits: 1.5

This course will systematically review three timely and important topics in clinical audiology today. The first topic, ethics in audiology, will be review comprehensively with practical information and guidelines on ethical behavior in clinical practice, precepting, teaching, publishing, and research. Students will then be introduced to the critical role of co-morbid conditions in hearing loss and related disorders (e.g., auditory processing disorders, tinnitus and vestibular dysfunction). Finally, students will receive instruction in business practices that includes an international perspective on management, marketing, differentiation, and sustainability of audiology services in competitive business settings.

Advanced Seminars in Audiology 2

7131

Credits: 1.5

This course will systematically review four timely and important topics in audiology and hearing science. The first topic, intraoperative monitoring, will be reviewed comprehensively with practical information and guidelines on clinical practice and certification. Second, students will be introduced to the current status of hearing restoration through hair cell regeneration. In order to stay current, it is imperative that students learn how to identify well-executed published research, and how the research is supported. To achieve these goals, the third topic will have students reviewing scientific journal articles and partake in a mock editorial process. Fourth, students will become familiar with the various funding resources to carry out research and create a sample research proposal.

Workshop: Electrophysiology in Audiology

8000

Credits: 1.5

This four-day workshop will address the theoretical concepts of electrophysiological testing in audiology and provide training in the advanced assessment techniques to include otoacoustic emissions (OAE), middle latency response (MLR) and 40 Hz responses, late potentials including N1-P2, P300 and MMN, cognitive evoked potentials in speech and language disorders and electrocochleography (ECochG).

Workshop: Auditory Processing Disorders

8001

Credits: 1.5

This four-day workshop will combine didactic and hands-on training on the foundations of neuroscience of auditory processing and auditory processing disorders (APD), auditory plasticity and relevance to auditory processing, digital dissection of central auditory nervous system (CANS), keys to assessment and practical implications in the management of children with APD.

Workshop: Hearing Aid Technologies

8100

Credits: 1.5

This four-day workshop is designed to provide audiologists a didactic and hands-on experience in contemporary hearing aid techniques in the selection, verification and validation of hearing aid fitting as well as practical considerations relating to BAHA. Technological advances in hearing aids will be addressed with specific emphasis on evidence-based techniques.

Workshop: Vestibular & Balance Disorders: Assessment and Rehabilitation

8101

Credits: 1.5

This four-day workshop is designed to provide audiologists a didactic and hands-on immersion experience in the assessment, diagnosis and management of all different types of vestibular and balance disorders.

Workshop: Diagnosis and Management of the External Ear

8102

Credits: 1.5

This four-day workshop will address the properties of sound transmission to the tympanic membrane and its relevance to hearing aid fitting, ear canal management techniques, medical issues relating to the outer ear canal and the audiologists role and scope of practice with respect to ear canal management. The course will culminate in a one-day hands-on workshop in cerumen management.

Workshop: Hearing Conservation

8103

Credits: 1.5

This four-day workshop is designed to provide audiologists with practical tools and techniques to measure noise and review various hearing protection devices. Audiologists will be guided on best practices in hearing conservation and training will be provided towards becoming an Occupational Hearing Conservationist.

Workshop: Cochlear Implants and other Implantable Devices

8104

Credits: 1.5

This workshop is designed to enhance audiologists experience with lectures and hands-on training covering cochlear implants and other implantable devices.