Introduction to Hearing Aids

Curriculum Guideline

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Course
HEAR 1111
Discontinued
No
Course Code
HEAR 1111
Descriptive
Introduction to Hearing Aids
Department
Hearing Instrument Practitioner
Faculty
Science & Technology
Credits
3.00
Start Date
End Term
Not Specified
PLAR
Yes
Semester Length
15 weeks
Max Class Size
15
Contact Hours
45
Method(s) Of Instruction
Lab
Learning Activities
  1. Laboratory lecture
  2. Application exercises in lab
  3. Independent study of courseware
  4. Proficiency tests
  5. Laboratory assignments
Course Description
This course provides an introduction to hearing aids including styles, structure, internal electronics, troubleshooting, general repairs, and basic function. A variety of common fitting formulas and signal processing strategies will also be compared. Students will be introduced to common ear mold designs and how to select the appropriate style based on acoustic requirements.

Course Content
  1. History of hearing aids
  2. Hearing aids, available designs, internal structures, and functions
  3. Linear and non-linear signal processing
  4. Earmold design and material selection based on degree of hearing loss
  5. Hearing aid and earmold repairs
  6. Industry standard fitting formulas
  7. The path of sound through a hearing aid
  8. Physical modification of hearing aids and earmolds
  9. Troubleshooting for different types of hearing aid malfunction
  10. Hearing aid battery size and drain

 

 

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

 

 1. Explain the internal structures and the functions of a modern hearing aid
 2. Explain the differences between hearing aid styles and the limitations for different types of  hearing loss
 3. Explain the differences in signal processing strategies between analog and digital technology
 4. Explain how sound is modified within a hearing aid prior to entering the ear
 5. Explain how to test basic hearing aid functions and identify when additional troubleshooting is required
 6. Explain how hearing aid fittings can affect sound quality
 7. Explain how different physical modifications to hearing aids and earmolds can affect sound
 8. Explain the differences between various industry standard hearing aid fitting formulas from past to present
 9. Explain the differences in earmold materials used based on degree of hearing loss                                    
10.Explain the different battery sizes available in addition to battery drain calculation

Means of Assessment

Evaluation will be carried out in accordance with Douglas College policy. The instructor will present a written course outline with specific evaluation criteria at the beginning of the semester. Evaluation will be based on the following:

  

Lab assessments 10-20%

Written tests 10-20%

Written midterm examination 10-20%

Lab practical midterm examination 10-20%

Final examination 20-35%

 

 

 

 

Textbook Materials

Textbooks and Materials to be Purchased by Students         

A list of required and optional textbooks and materials is provided for students at the beginning of each semester.

Prerequisites

NIL

Corequisites

HEAR 1100, HEAR 1101, HEAR 1112

Equivalencies

NIL

Which Prerequisite

HEAR 1200, HEAR 1211, HEAR 1212