AUDIOL 714 : Hearing Aids and Other Devices for the Hearing Impaired

Medical and Health Sciences

2023 Semester Two (1235) (15 POINTS)

Course Prescription

An introduction to the design and technology of analogue and digital hearing aids, cochlear implants and assistive devices for children and adults with hearing-impairment. Analysis of the signal processing techniques and strategies used in digital hearing aids and cochlear implants.

Course Overview

This course provides the foundations for practice in amplification and aural rehabilitation.


Course Requirements

No pre-requisites or restrictions

Course Contacts

Course Coordinator
Assoc Prof Grant Searchfield
Associate Professor
Email: g.searchfield@auckland.ac.nz
Phone: +64 (0) 9 923 6316
Course Administrator
Mrs Upendra Wickramarachchi
Group Services Administrator
Email: u.wicks@auckland.ac.nz
Phone: +64 (0) 9 923 3058

Capabilities Developed in this Course

Capability 1: Disciplinary Knowledge and Practice
Capability 2: Critical Thinking
Capability 3: Solution Seeking
Capability 4: Communication and Engagement
Capability 5: Independence and Integrity
Capability 6: Social and Environmental Responsibilities
Graduate Profile: Master of Audiology

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:
  1. Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of digital signal processing and use in hearing aids and the acoustic effects of earmould and tubing characteristics and modifications. (Capability 2.1)
  2. Describe how different hearing aid technological features work and select appropriatetechnology solutions for patients on the basis of assessment of their needs and hearing configuration. (Capability 2.1 and 3.1)
  3. Describe knowledge of the basis of aural rehabilitation, be able to select and use hearing aid fitting/verification procedures to appropriately set gain, output and compression for different hearing loss configurations and patient characteristics (age/ability/need). (Capability 2.1 and 3.1)
  4. Demonstrate and apply selection and use of appropriate hearing aid validation procedures. (Capability 2.1 and 3.1)
  5. Demonstrate understanding of the role of accurate ear impressions for earmoulds. (Capability 2.1 and 3.1)
  6. Demonstrate ability to evaluate and troubleshoot hearing aid performance (Capability 2.1, 3.1 and 4.1)
  7. Have a basic understanding of the role of hearing aid manufacturers and industry; methods used to manufacture, market and distribute hearing aids (Capability 1.2, 3.2, 4.2, 5.1 and 5.2)
  8. Demonstrate knowledge of the technology of Cochlear Implants, selection and referral criteria. (Capability 2.1, 3.1 and 3.2)
  9. Understand and critically evaluate the role of Hearing Assistive Technologies in allowing patients to access services and improve quality of life. (Capability 2.1 and 3.1)
  10. Explain and communicate how hearing aids, cochlear implants and assistive devices can be used in combination with aural rehabilitation to help persons with hearing difficulties in New Zealand. (Capability 1.2, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 3.2, 4.1, 4.2, 5.1, 5.2, 6.1, 6.2 and 6.3)

Assessments

Assessment Type Percentage Classification
Written test 20% Individual Coursework
Reflective course diary 10% Individual Coursework
Final Exam 60% Individual Examination
Assignments 10% Individual Coursework
Assessment Type Learning Outcome Addressed
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Written test
Reflective course diary
Final Exam
Assignments

Workload Expectations

This course is a standard 15 point course and students are expected to spend 10 hours per week involved in each 15 point course that they are enrolled in.

For this course, you can expect 2-3 hours of lectures, a 2-3 hour tutorial, 2 hours of reading and thinking about the content and 2 hours of work on assignments and/or test preparation.

Delivery Mode

Campus Experience

Attendance is required at scheduled activities including labs/tutorials to complete components of the course.
Lectures will be available as recordings. Other learning activities including seminars and tutorials will be available as recordings.
The course will not include live online events.
Attendance on campus is required for the test and exam.
The activities for the course are scheduled as a standard weekly timetable.

Learning Resources

Course materials are made available in a learning and collaboration tool called Canvas which also includes reading lists and lecture recordings (where available).

Please remember that the recording of any class on a personal device requires the permission of the instructor.

Recommended:  Dillon H (2012) Hearing aids (2nd Ed). Thieme.

Student Feedback

At the end of every semester students will be invited to give feedback on the course and teaching through a tool called SET or Qualtrics. The lecturers and course co-ordinators will consider all feedback and respond with summaries and actions.

Your feedback helps teachers to improve the course and its delivery for future students.

Class Representatives in each class can take feedback to the department and faculty staff-student consultative committees.

This year we made changes in content and arrangement of topics (order & presenters) based on previous feedback.  This year the SET evaluations were all very positive.  No structural changes are being made (only 2nd year in this format).

Other Information

Some of material in this course is applied and examined in Audiology 718.

Academic Integrity

The University of Auckland will not tolerate cheating, or assisting others to cheat, and views cheating in coursework as a serious academic offence. The work that a student submits for grading must be the student's own work, reflecting their learning. Where work from other sources is used, it must be properly acknowledged and referenced. This requirement also applies to sources on the internet. A student's assessed work may be reviewed against online source material using computerised detection mechanisms.

Class Representatives

Class representatives are students tasked with representing student issues to departments, faculties, and the wider university. If you have a complaint about this course, please contact your class rep who will know how to raise it in the right channels. See your departmental noticeboard for contact details for your class reps.

Inclusive Learning

All students are asked to discuss any impairment related requirements privately, face to face and/or in written form with the course coordinator, lecturer or tutor.

Student Disability Services also provides support for students with a wide range of impairments, both visible and invisible, to succeed and excel at the University. For more information and contact details, please visit the Student Disability Services’ website http://disability.auckland.ac.nz

Special Circumstances

If your ability to complete assessed coursework is affected by illness or other personal circumstances outside of your control, contact a member of teaching staff as soon as possible before the assessment is due.

If your personal circumstances significantly affect your performance, or preparation, for an exam or eligible written test, refer to the University’s aegrotat or compassionate consideration page https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/exams-and-final-results/during-exams/aegrotat-and-compassionate-consideration.html.

This should be done as soon as possible and no later than seven days after the affected test or exam date.

Learning Continuity

In the event of an unexpected disruption, we undertake to maintain the continuity and standard of teaching and learning in all your courses throughout the year. If there are unexpected disruptions the University has contingency plans to ensure that access to your course continues and course assessment continues to meet the principles of the University’s assessment policy. Some adjustments may need to be made in emergencies. You will be kept fully informed by your course co-ordinator/director, and if disruption occurs you should refer to the university website for information about how to proceed.

The delivery mode may change depending on COVID restrictions. Any changes will be communicated through Canvas.

Student Charter and Responsibilities

The Student Charter assumes and acknowledges that students are active participants in the learning process and that they have responsibilities to the institution and the international community of scholars. The University expects that students will act at all times in a way that demonstrates respect for the rights of other students and staff so that the learning environment is both safe and productive. For further information visit Student Charter https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/forms-policies-and-guidelines/student-policies-and-guidelines/student-charter.html.

Disclaimer

Elements of this outline may be subject to change. The latest information about the course will be available for enrolled students in Canvas.

In this course students may be asked to submit coursework assessments digitally. The University reserves the right to conduct scheduled tests and examinations for this course online or through the use of computers or other electronic devices. Where tests or examinations are conducted online remote invigilation arrangements may be used. In exceptional circumstances changes to elements of this course may be necessary at short notice. Students enrolled in this course will be informed of any such changes and the reasons for them, as soon as possible, through Canvas.

Published on 31/10/2022 10:46 a.m.