George S. Osborne College of Audiology
Distance Education
Advanced Studies in Cochlear Implants Certificate Program
Course Descriptions
The Neuroscience of Cochlear Implantation (1.5 Credits)
Faculty 1: Robert V. Harrison, PhD, DSc
Faculty 2: Blake Papsin, MD, MSc, FRCS, FACS
General Objectives: This course will provide a detailed description of the function of the auditory system with special reference to aspects important to cochlear implantation. The course will cover basic mechanics and physiology of auditory detection and transduction at the level of the cochlea, as well as important aspects central auditory processing. The course will give emphasis to issues that are particularly relevant to electrical stimulation with cochlear implant systems. The course will include detailed consideration of the early development of the cochlea and central auditory pathways, as well as age related plasticity in the auditory brain. These concepts will be linked to issues relating to cochlear implantation in children and in adults. The course will cover details about cochlear implant sound processing, cochlear electrode stimulation of neurons and other electrophysiological cochlear implant issues. The course will also review surgical procedures, and a range of medical considerations related to cochlear implant candidature (e.g. temporal bone malformations, multiple handicaps, genetic etiology etc.).
Behavioral Issues and Remediation (2.0 Credits)
Faculty: Erin C. Schafer, PhD, CCC/A
General Objectives: The purpose of this course is to gain knowledge regarding the history of cochlear implants as well as candidacy criteria for the adult and pediatric population. 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.
Programming Cochlear Implants (1.5 Credits)
Faculty: Jace Wolfe, PhD
General Objectives:This course will discuss the fundamental principles involved in the programming of cochlear implants for children and adults and will address the following specific topics: basic hardware of cochlear implant systems, terminology associated with cochlear implant programming, clinical procedures utilized in the programming of cochlear implants, troubleshooting common complaints and complications associated with cochlear implant use, etc. Clinical case examples will be provided as a tool to illustrate clinical practices and procedures commonly utilized in cochlear implant programming. After successful completion of this course, the student should acquire a working knowledge that will facilitate the successful management of cochlear implant programming in clinical settings.
Objective Measures in Cochlear Implantation (1.5 Credits)
Faculty: Karen A. Gordon, PhD
General Objectives: This course will discuss the range of objective measures which can be elicited in cochlear implant users. The course will address how these measures can be used to evaluate cochlear implant function and activity along the 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 will 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 will be discussed.
Aural (Re)habilitation for Cochlear Implant Recipients (2.0 Credits)
Faculty: Teresa H. Caraway, PhD, CCC-SLP, LSLS Cert. AVT
General Objectives: This course will discuss aural (re)habilitation for children and adults following cochlear implantation. The course will address 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 will develop knowledge and practical insights to engage families and educators to support cochlear implant recipients. Students will learn the essential components of the (re)habilitation process and current application in the clinical setting.
Psycho-social and Professional Issues in
Cochlear Implant Candidacy and Selection (1.5 Credits)
Faculty 1: Rich Tyler, PhD
Faculty 2: Debbie Abel, AuD
General Objectives: This course will discuss epidemiology of hearing loss and associated risk factors, social and cultural concerns of cochlear implants, the selection and fitting of bilateral combinations of cochlear implants and hearing aids, issues related to the quality of life, cost/benefit issues provided by cochlear implants, government regulations overseeing the provision of cochlear implants, and practice management issues as they affect the provision of cochlear implant services, specific to adults and children.
02/12/2012