George S. Osborne College of Audiology
International Doctor of Audiology (AuD)
Degree Bridge Program
Academic Year 2012-2013 / Subject to Change
Advanced Auditory Biology 1: Peripheral and Central Auditory Mechanisms
Faculty: Robert V. Harrison PhD, DSc
General Objectives: This course will provide a detailed description of the structure and function of the auditory system. The course will cover basic mechanics and physiology of auditory detection and transduction at the level of the cochlea, as well as important aspects of central auditory processing. The classes will cover details of normal cochlear function as well as pathophysiology. Details of various animal models of hearing loss will reveal underlying deficits in clinical (human) hearing loss of cochlear origin. This will help in defining the etiology of hearing disorders, and in turn allow consideration of optimal habilitation strategies. 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, and hearing aids in children and in adults. Special topics of clinical relevance will include basic science studies of otoacoustic emissions, auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD), the intimate linkage between peripheral and central auditory processing problems, etc. In general, the basic science concepts will be related to clinical issues in audiology, as a way of providing insight into underlying deficiencies, and thus providing insight into improved diagnosis and treatment.
Computer Applications and Instrumentation in Audiology
Faculty 1: Sherman G. Lord, AuD
Faculty 2: Manikandan Rajappa, MS
General Objectives: This course will introduce the basic principles of computer applications and its relevance and application in audiology. This course will review how information sciences and computer technology can be applied to enhance current trends in audiology and its usefulness in the practice of hearing healthcare delivery. The technology utilized by audiologists in the evaluation of the auditory and balance system requires the use of precision test instrumentation. The importance of ensuring that these instruments are in proper calibration is essential to completing an accurate assessment of function and thereby arriving at a correct diagnosis. This course will address the issue of equipment calibration by covering fundamental concepts and principles of electricity, acoustics, sound measurement and system components. A review of the design and application of the core instruments in an audiology clinic (audiometer, immittance instruments, otoacoustic emissions analyzers, auditory evoked potential equipment and hearing aid/real ear analyzers) and the calibration of each will be covered. Standards promulgated by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the International Standards Organization (ISO) will be reviewed. At the conclusion of the course, the students should have a thorough understanding of hearing and balance testing equipment calibration and preventive maintenance procedures.
Sound Transmission into the Cochlea
Faculty: Harry Levitt, PhD
General Objectives: The course will examine sound transmission in normal and abnormal ears. This will include 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 and Adoption of Best Practices in Audiology
Faculty: Radhika Aravamudhan, PhD
General Objectives: Evidence-based practice (EBP) 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 EBP and its principles and how it is used in everyday clinical decision making in audiology.
Pediatric Audiology: Current Trends in Behavioral Assessment
Faculty: Brian Fligor, ScD
General Objectives: This course will review 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.
Early Hearing Detection in Infants (EHDI)
Faculty: Martyn Hyde, PhD
General Objectives: General principles and methods of population hearing screening will be discusses along with epidemiological issues, validity, effectiveness and efficiency of specific hearing screening tests and EHDI programs.
Genetics and Hearing Loss
Faculty: Ali Danesh, PhD
General Objectives: This course will address human genetics terminology and basic concepts of genetics, including gene design and pedigree construction, chromosomal basis of inheritance and Mendelian inheritance, cell division types - mitosis and meiosis and physiological models, interpretation of DNA and RNA transcription, chromosomal structure and human karyotype, chromosomal defections and structural alterations and their inheritance, transmission genetics and different categories of inheritance (dominant, recessive, X-linked, Y-linked, mitochondrial, etc.), audiologic characterization of genes for hearing loss, different varieties of non-traditional inheritance (e.g., mitochondrial, uni-parental, etc.), and genetic susceptibility to aminoglycoside ototoxicity. In addition students will learn to describe and distinguish GJB2-based hearing loss, review case histories with respect to audiologic manifestations of genetic hearing loss and syndromic and non-syndromic hearing losses, and discuss gene therapy and its application for audio-vestibular system and ethical issues in use of genetic information.
Topics in Pediatric Hearing Assistive Technologies
Faculty: Marlene Bagatto, PhD
General Objectives: This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of contemporary, evidence-based audiology practice for fitting amplification in infants and children. The structure of the course follows conceptual models of the hearing instrument fitting process comprised of the following sequential stages: assessment, selection, verification, validation and counseling. Students will be expected to participate in discussion and question/answer periods, as well as complete appropriate clinically-relevant assignments. After successful completion of this course, students should be able to use their skills and knowledge to provide services to infants and children with hearing loss and their families.
Advanced Issues in Otoacoustic Emissions
Faculty: Thierry Morlet, PhD
General Objectives: 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, OAEs in clinical populations, recording techniques, interpretation, and inclusion in clinical protocols. Clinical cases will be provided to illustrate the role of OAEs 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 Processing Disorders: Behavioral Issues
Faculty: Richard S. Saul, PhD
General Objectives: 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.
Auditory Evoked Potentials in Pediatric and Adult ABR
Faculty: Jace Wolfe, PhD
General Objectives: 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 potentials across all age ranges and various evoked potentials 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.
Auditory Processing Disorders: Electrophysiological Assessment
Faculty: Richard S. Saul, PhD
General Objectives: 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.
Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder (ANSD)
Faculty: Thierry Morlet, PhD
This course will discuss the fundamental principles involved in the diagnosis and management of auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD) in the pediatric population. The course will address the following specific topics: physiology of the peripheral auditory system, clinical presentation of ANSD, behavioral presentation of ANSD, genetic of ANSD, clinical procedures utilized in the proper diagnosis of ANSD, patient variation, management tools and guidelines. Clinical cases will be provided to illustrate diagnosis "rules" and procedures commonly utilized in management. After successful completion of this course, the student should acquire a working knowledge to properly diagnose and successfully manage infants and children with ANSD.
Cochlear Implants and other Implantable Devices
Faculty: Jace Wolfe, PhD
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.
Updated 07/26/2012