Molecular and Cellular Processes
OCA-AUD-7130
This course introduces the students to a number of fundamental mechanisms that govern cellular metabolism, basic histological characteristics of the four tissue types of the human body and basic physiological properties common to all cell types. These sections also include some limited examples of regulatory breakdown or pathology and clinical correlates. The goal is to provide the student with sufficient understanding of normal cellular and tissue organization and function to facilitate the recognition and understanding of the mechanisms that underlie both normal and disease processes covered in subsequent courses.
Pharmacology
OCA-AUD-7201
Basic concepts and terminology of pharmacology will be explored, including pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and ototoxic drugs. Medications that may contribute to or treat audiologic and vestibular diagnoses will be discussed. Legislation and regulatory issues related to drug clinical trials and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will be reviewed.
Systemic Organ Biology
OCA-AUD-7230
This course concentrates on the integration of the anatomy, histology, physiology and pathology to understand the basic function and pathology of specific organ systems, including the cardiovascular, pulmonary, urinary, gastrointestinal and endocrine.
Auditory Biology 1
OCA-AUD-7330
Anatomy and physiology of the normal peripheral and central auditory system.
Auditory Biology 2
OCA-AUD-7331
Pathophysiology of the peripheral auditory system, with implications for central auditory system plasticity.
Head and Neck Anatomy
OCA-AUD-7400
The study of structures is used to discuss functional human gross anatomy of the head and neck. This course emphasizes anatomical relationships that support clinical application, including imaging and the relationship of the head and neck to organ systems.
Neurosciences
OCA-AUD-7401
The course deals with the structure and function of the nervous system. This is applied to the understanding of neuropathology later in the course. The course forms the foundation for understanding the impact of neurological disease on the auditory and vestibular system.
Cerumen Management
OCA-AUD-7501
In-depth anatomy and physiology of the external auditory meatus and tympanic membrane. Techniques utilizing instrumentation and equipment will be used for effective removal of cerumen and prevention and treatment of complications that may arise in specific populations. Related professional topics such as infection control, reimbursement, and professional liability.
Speech and Language Development and Disorders
OCA-AUD-7503
Normal speech and language development will be addressed with speech-language disorders commonly found in children with hearing loss. The collaborative roles of the audiologist and the speech-language pathologist in the evaluation and treatment of speech-language disorders are overviewed.
Auditory Processing Disorders
OCA-AUD-7505
Diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of auditory processing disorders. Emphasis is placed on behavioral tests of auditory processing. Profiles of auditory processing deficits will be discussed and related to site of lesion. Students will obtain experience in administering and interpreting auditory processing tests and developing management plans.
Hearing Conservation and Industrial Audiology
OCA-AUD-7514
Introduction to the basic principles of sound and its measurement. Topics include Damage Risk Criteria and its application to noise-induced hearing loss components of hearing conservation programs in a variety of settings, and evaluation of program effectiveness in the prevention of hearing loss. On course completion, students will be eligible to obtain certification from the Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation (CAOHC).
Management of Tinnitus and Hyperacusis
OCA-AUD-7515
Neuroscientific basis of tinnitus and hyperacusis. Methods for the evaluation and treatment of tinnitus and hyperacusis, including hearing aids/cochlear implants, sound therapies, counseling, and rapidly emerging alternatives.
Instrumentation
OCA-AUD-7517
An introduction to the technology and instrumentation used in the assessment of hearing, with both lecture and lab components. Covered topics include electricity, analog and digital electronics, transducers (microphones & loudspeakers), sound stimuli, audiometers and audiometric test enclosures and tympanometers.
Calibration
OCA-AUD-7518
Reliable hearing assessment depends on the accurate specification and delivery of sound stimuli. This requires at least annual equipment calibration to standards set forth by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). We will learn about and use precision sound level meters to calibrate audiometers during lab exercises, and discuss the calibration of other audiometric instruments.
Otoacoustic Emissions
OCA-AUD-7520
A comprehensive look at the theoretical basis and clinical utility of spontaneous, transient-evoked, and distortion-product otoacoustic emissions (OAE’s), including a laboratory component for measuring and analyzing these important, non-invasive windows into outer hair cell and middle ear function.
Medical Co-Management of Auditory Diseases
OCA-AUD-7523
Focuses on the diagnosis and follow-up of medically related disorders of hearing, includes genetic syndromes, infectious diseases and chronic disorders. This course will be team taught by an otologist and an audiologist.
Acoustics and Acoustic Phonetics
OCA-AUD-7524
Information is covered on the principles of sound, its measurement and the acoustic parameters of sound and perception of speech.
Psychoacoustics
OCA-AUD-7525
Physical and psychological attributes related to sound in normal hearing and impaired ears. Classical psychophysical methods discussed, with an emphasis on their application to audiological testing.
Audiometric Principles 1
OCA-AUD-7530
Evaluation of the auditory mechanisms from otoscopy through theories of comprehensive audiometric testing leading up to sites-of-lesion.
Audiometric Principles 2
OCA-AUD-7531
This course is a continuation of the audiometric principles course sequence. Evaluation of the auditory mechanism including theory for site of lesion testing necessary to determine differential diagnosis of auditory pathologies.
Vestibular and Balance Evaluation 1
OCA-AUD-7540
Anatomy and physiology of the vestibular mechanism, with emphasis on the disorders that can influence the balance system. Experience in determining which diagnostic tools may be appropriate for patients with balance disorders. Conduct and interpret the basic case history, bedside evaluations, and ENG/VNG test battery.
Vestibular and Balance Evaluation 2
OCA-AUD-7541
Advanced diagnostic vestibular techniques and functional balance assessment with emphasis on rotational chair, evoked potentials, and computerized dynamic posturography. Integration and synthesis of various tests as well as case studies to further clinical knowledge.
Vestibular Rehabilitation
OCA-AUD-7542
Identification and administration of selected treatment options for a variety of vestibular disorders.
Hearing Technologies 1
OCA-AUD-7552
The three-course sequence of Hearing Technologies covers the theoretical and applied technologies in hearing instruments and current protocols in the use of amplification systems as part of treatment plans for persons with hearing impairment. Emphasis in HT1 is on the elements of the basic hearing aid fitting, including hearing aid components, hearing aid systems, aid-to-ear-canal coupling systems, amplitude compression systems, hearing aid prescriptions, and the evidence base for use amplification to improve the quality of life for patients.
Hearing Technologies 2
OCA-AUD-7553
This course (HT2) continues the Hearing Technologies sequence. Emphasis is on ANSI standards for the assessment of hearing aid performance using test box measures, real ear/probe microphone measures, and the real-ear-to-coupler difference. The course focused is on the electroacoustic protocols for verification of prescriptive hearing instrument fittings. The course continues with the evidence base for use of recommended technologies and protocols to improve the quality of life for patients.
Hearing Technologies 3
OCA-AUD-7554
In HT3, the theoretical and clinical aspects of advanced signal processing schemes and verification procedures are taught. Focus is placed on advanced hearing aid and wireless technology including frequency lowering, connectivity options, and open fittings. The selection and fitting of amplification for special conditions (e.g., conductive and unilateral hearing loss) and special populations (e.g. pediatric and geriatric) will be reviewed. Current technologies as well as future technologies will be discussed. Surgical alternatives to hearing aids and cochlear implants will be discussed, including bone-anchored hearing aids and active middle ear implants. Criteria for patient candidacy and fitting protocols for implantable devices will be addressed.
Cochlear and Brainstem Implants
OCA-AUD-7555
Covers a variety of auditory prosthetic devices with emphasis on cochlear implant technology. History, pediatric and adult candidacy, signal processing strategies and fitting protocols will be explored in detail.
Auditory Evoked Responses 1
OCA-AUD-7562
This course focuses on the ‘early’ auditory evoked responses (AERs), generated by the cochlea (cochlear microphonic, summating potential, compound action potential) and the auditory brainstem (ABR). Technical aspects of the recordings and their clinical applications are stressed in equal measure.
Auditory Evoked Responses 2
OCA-AUD-7563
Further study of electrodiagnostic testing including, but not limited to, Auditory Steady-State Response (ASSR), Cochlear Hydrops Analysis Masking Procedure (CHAMP), Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential (VEMP) and suppression Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE).
Auditory Evoked Responses 3: Evaluating Auditory Processing
OCA-AUD-7564
Study of middle and late latency potentials used in diagnosing auditory processing disorders in children and adults. Tests include, but are not limited to, Middle Latency Responses (MLR), Late Latency Responses (LLR), Event Related Potentials (P300) and speech-evoked event-related potentials.
Intraoperative Neurophysiologic Monitoring
OCA-AUD-7565
Application of neurophysiological testing in the intraoperative setting. Includes measurement of somatosensory evoked potentials, motor evoked potentials, brainstem auditory evoked potentials, electromyography and electroencephalogy.
Pediatric Audiologic Assessment
OCA-AUD-7570
This course will help students understand the development of the human auditory system, genetic causes of hearing loss, universal newborn hearing screening, early hearing detection and identification programs, components of a pediatric case history, behavioral and physiological assessment.
Pediatric Intervention and Management
OCA-AUD-7571
This course will help prepare students to address the unique audiological needs of children with hearing impairment. The focus of the course is the support of children with hearing impairment and their families-from diagnosis through intervention, including amplification, assistive listening devices, supporting development and transitioning into educational programs. Topics will include hearing aids, remote microphone technology, assistive listening devices, supporting development and transitioning into educational programs.
Educational Audiology
OCA-AUD-7572
This course will help students understand the educational audiologist’s role within the school setting, classroom acoustics, effects of hearing loss on development and learning, hearing conservation and legal foundations of educational audiology.
Patient Centered Clinical Interviewing
OCA-AUD-7580
Issues related to the professional relationship between doctors of audiology and patients in the clinical practice of audiology, with emphasis on the development of a humanistic approach to patient care. Effective communication skills addressed, especially as related to case-history taking and counseling.
Psychosocial Aspects of Hearing Impairment
OCA-AUD-7581
Psychosocial aspects of hearing loss will be addressed. Untreated hearing loss can lead to psychological and social difficulties. Successful treatment for hearing loss can lead to a reduction in the psychosocial impact and improvement in quality of life. The differences in effects of hearing loss and hearing loss treatment for individuals on psychological and social problems will be covered.
Auditory Rehabilitation
OCA-AUD-7582
Outcome measurements used to assess the effectiveness of adult audiologic rehabilitation programs will be addressed. Case study approach will be used to develop, implement and evaluate adult audiologic rehabilitation programs.
Aging and Management of Geriatric Patient
OCA-AUD-7583
Bio-psychosocial model of aging addresses the impact of aging on the auditory mechanism. Specific modifications that should be made when providing hearing and balance services to older adults will be emphasized.
Evidence Based Practice (EBP)
SU-IPE-7701
Using a combination of onsite and online instruction, EBP tools are defined and strategies are explored as to the application of these tools in clinical decision making.
Clinical Problem Solving 1
OCA-AUD-7730
First course in the four-course CPS series. Students build clinical reasoning skills through a problem-based learning approach and develop the ability to acquire, interpret, synthesize and record significant clinical decision making information to diagnose and treat hearing and balance disorders.
Clinical Problem Solving 2
OCA-AUD-7731
Students continue to build clinical reasoning skills through a problem-based learning approach and increase the ability to acquire, interpret, synthesize and record significant clinical decision making information to diagnose and treat hearing and balance disorders.
Introduction to Clinical Research
OCA-AUD-7740
Introduction to the research environment and research methods used in the health sciences and audiology. Overview of key statistical analyses used in descriptive and experimental research. Students will attain the skills necessary to be consumers and producers of audiology research.
Audiology Grand Rounds
OCA-AUD-7901
Utilizing an evidence-based approach, case presentations are made by students in a grand rounds format (presenting a particular patient’s medical problems, diagnostic testing results and treatment effects) to other audiology students and faculty incorporating various clinical practices and evaluation and treatment protocols.
Personal and Professional Development 1
OCA-AUD-7932
This building block module teaches students behaviors supporting success in a professional school environment. Focus will be on time management, prereading, reading and note-making, reviewing and self-testing, concentration, test-taking strategies, and overcoming test anxiety.
Personal and Professional Development 2
OCA-AUD-7933
This building block module teaches students behaviors supporting success in professional and personal life. Focus will be on principles of personal vision, principles of personal leadership, principles of personal management, principles of interpersonal leadership, principles of empathetic communications, principles of creative cooperation, and principles of balanced self-renewal.
Personal and Professional Development 3
OCA-AUD-7934
This building block module teaches students behaviors supporting success in professional and personal life. Focus will be on principles of personal vision, principles of personal leadership, principles of personal management, principles of interpersonal leadership, principles of empathetic communications, principles of creative cooperation, and principles of balanced self-renewal.
Personal and Professional Development 4
OCA-AUD-7935
This building block module teaches students personal awareness for the purpose of developing interpersonal communications skills supporting interprofessional education (IPE) and interprofessional practice (IPP).
Personal and Professional Development 5
OCA-AUD-7936
This building block module prepares students for the expectations and challenges of the future, including career planning, resume writing, and interviewing skills.
Personal and Professional Development 6
OCA-AUD-7937
This building block module prepares students for the expectations and challenges of the future, including discussion of current issues in the profession of audiology including audiology scope-of-practice, audiology employment opportunities, state licensure requirements to practice audiology, professional certification options for audiologists, and current legislative issues which may impact the future of audiology.
Audiology Practice Management
OCA-AUD-7940
This course is designed to provide a basic understanding of the business of audiology. Topics include finance, marketing and operations, and the foundations of business. The class culminates with the development of an audiology business plan that will assist the student in future practice management settings.
Clinical Skills: Pediatric Audiologic Assessment
OCA-AUD-8670
Students receive hands-on experience in the assessment of hearing in the pediatric patient population including case history, otoscopy, immittance measures and behavioral assessment using visual reinforcement and conditioned play audiometric techniques. Course culminates in a credentialing exam to verify the student’s abilities.
Clinical Skills: Auditory Evoked Responses
OCA-AUD-8662
Laboratory training in the recording and analysis of auditory brainstem responses (ABRs), to put into practice knowledge acquired in the lecture component (Auditory Evoked Responses 1). The course culminates in a credentialing examination to verify the student’s abilities.
Clinical Skills: Audiometric Principles 1
OCA-AUD-8630
This course series provides the opportunity for students to develop clinical skills through supervised labs. Students are expected to demonstrate growth of clinical skills throughout the term during scheduled lab activities. Students are expected to continue independently practicing those skills learned in an effort to successfully complete the credentialing examination that will be given at the end of the term.
Clinical Skills: Audiometric Principles 2
OCA-AUD-8631
This course is a continuation of the clinical skills sequence in audiometric training combining lecture and lab formats. These learning experiences culminate in another credentialing exam to verify competence in foundational clinical skills.
Clinical Skills: Hearing Technologies 1
OCA-AUD-8642
Supervised training and practice to reinforce knowledge acquired in Module 5 didactic Hearing Technologies classes. Lab includes information and activities on the hearing aid evaluation and selection process, hearing aid checks, repairs and modifications, culminating in a credentialing examination to verify the student’s abilities.
Clinical Skills: Hearing Technologies 2
OCA-AUD-8643
Supervised training and practice to reinforce knowledge acquired in Module 5 didactic Hearing Technologies classes. Lab includes information and activities on hearing aid fitting, verification and validation techniques, as well as hearing aid adjustments using various hearing aid manufacturers, culminating in a credentialing examination to verify the student’s abilities.
Clinical Skills: Hearing Technologies 3
OCA-AUD-8644
Supervised training and practice to reinforce knowledge acquired in Module 5 didactic Hearing Technologies classes. Lab includes information and activities related to assistive listening devices, personal sound amplification devices, “hearables,” and other non-traditional amplification options. Students will learn verification and validation techniques for FM systems and other wireless hearing instruments accessories, culminating in a credentialing examination to verify the student’s abilities.
Clinical Skills: Vestibular & Balance Evaluation 1
OCA-AUD-8645
Supervised training and practice to reinforce knowledge acquired in Module 5 didactic Vestibular and Balance Evaluation class. Lab included information and activities related balance assessment.
Professional Practice 1
OCA-AUD-8851
Audiologic clinical skills development through a combination of observation and participation in direct patient care performed at the Pennsylvania Ear Institute. Students will be expected to be active observers by interacting with the patient and engaging in problem-solving to assist in the formation of the diagnosis of hearing and balance problems.
Professional Practice 2
OCA-AUD-8852
Audiologic clinical skills development through a combination of observation and participation in direct patient care performed at the Pennsylvania Ear Institute. Students are expected to continue to develop new clinical skills and integrate the information developed through didactic preparation.
Professional Practice 3
OCA-AUD-8853
Direct faculty supervised patient care at the Pennsylvania Ear Institute with emphasis on refinement of skills in case history taking, subjective and objective diagnostic tests and rehabilitation, including hearing aids.
Professional Practice 4
OCA-AUD-8854
Direct faculty supervised patient care at the Pennsylvania Ear Institute, with emphasis on refinement of skills in case history taking, subjective and objective diagnostic tests and rehabilitation, including hearing aid assessment and orientation and exposure to vestibular and balance testing, which many include VNG/ENG, CDP and/or Rotary Chair when diagnostically appropriate.
Professional Practice 5
OCA-AUD-8855
Co-managed patient care with faculty preceptors at Pennsylvania Ear Institute and/or off-campus clerkship rotations within commuting distance of the campus. Emphasis on continued refinement of skills in case history taking, subjective and objective diagnostic tests, and rehabilitation including hearing aid assessment and fitting. When the opportunity presents student will be exposed to vestibular and balance testing, which many include VNG/ENG, CDP and/or Rotary Chair depending on clinical site.
Professional Practice 6
OCA-AUD-8856
Clerkship experience is expanded to off-campus regional locations to include experience in one of the following four environments: private practice, hospital, pediatric, or medical offices (ENT/otologist/neuro-otologist). Off campus rotations allow for student clinicians to experience a rich variety of patient demographics and scope of practice. Consideration of rotation site in an adjacent state will be considered on an individual student basis.
Professional Practice 7
OCA-AUD-8857
Clerkship experience is expanded to off-campus regional locations to include experience in one of the following four environments: private practice, hospital, pediatric, or medical offices (ENT/otologist/neuro-otologist). Off campus rotations allow for student clinicians to experience a rich variety of patient demographics and scope of practice. Consideration of rotation site in an adjacent state will be considered on an individual student basis.
Professional Practice 8
OCA-AUD-8858
Clerkship experience is expanded to off campus regional locations to include experience in one of the following four environments: private practice, hospital, pediatric, or medical offices (ENT/otologist/neuro-otologist). Off campus rotations allow for student clinicians to experience a rich variety of patient demographics and scope of practice. Consideration of rotation site in an adjacent state will be considered on an individual student basis.
Clinical Externship 1
OCA-AUD-8800
Summer Term. Beginning of the full-time fourth year clinical externship. Opportunity for national site placement. Intent is to offer student clinician the means to focus full time on fine tuning clinic skills in a variety of settings and to focus on areas of interest when available.
Clinical Externship 2
OCA-AUD-8801
Fall Term. Continuation of the full-time fourth year clinical externship. Opportunity for national site placement. Intent is to offer student clinician the means to focus full time on fine tuning clinic skills in a variety of settings and to focus on areas of interest as desired.
Clinical Externship 3
OCA-AUD-8802
Winter Term. Completion of the full-time fourth year clinical externship. Opportunity for national site placement. Intent is to offer student clinician the means to focus full time on fine tuning clinic skills in a variety of settings and to focus on areas of interest as desired.
Clinical Externship 4
OCA-AUD-8803
Spring Term. Conclusion of the full-time fourth year clinical externship. Opportunity for national site placement. Intent is to offer student clinician the means to focus full time on fine tuning clinic skills in a variety of settings and to focus on areas of interest as desired.