Hearing Instrument Specialist

This course defines, describes and identifies the physical processes of sound and sound amplification. Students in this course discover and learn the development of contemporary hearing instruments from a historical perspective. Students also demonstrate knowledge of hearing instrument components and logically communicate the expected benefits and limitations of various instruments.

This course describes the function and identifies the structures of the human ear and hearing. Students demonstrate through class discussion and written assignments knowledge of ear physiology and anatomy.

In this class students relate and discuss the ethical issues surrounding the performance of their work as hearing instrument specialists. Students class consider and then offer ethical solutions to a variety of possible challenges in their industry.

In this course students demonstrate the ability to perform standard air, bone and speech audiometry. The students also display competent performance of video-otoscopy and patient testing instruction. Student perform the normal record keeping chores of this testing. Prerequisite: HIS 104, 106 or permission of instructor.

Students in this class describe and define the otologic conditions affecting hearing. Students also identify otologic red flags that require referral to medical physicians and other healthcare specialists. Prerequisite: HIS 104, 106 or permission of instructor.

Students in this course describe, outline and practice the wide-range skills and competencies necessary in the management of a typical hearing healthcare office's business operations. Prerequisite: HIS 104, 106 or permission of instructor.

Students practice and demonstrate competency in the more advanced diagnostic tests used in the industry. Students in this class will perform tympanometry, otoacoustic emission testing, and complete audiometric evaluations. Students show competence in both handwritten and computer-based recording of test results. Prerequisite: HIS 104, 106, 123 and permission of instructor.

This course prepares the student to work with the current technologies used in the hearing instrument industry. Students identify patients and audiological conditions that would benefit from specific circuits, matrices and instrument options. In this course students discuss advanced issues surrounding analog and digital amplification technologies. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

This course defines, describes and identifies the functional uses of different types of earmolds, shells and assistive listening devices (ALDs). Students practice taking impressions and modifying earmolds and shells for which they've made impressions. Students demonstrate the correct use of several commonly used ALDs. Ordering and record keeping activities are also practiced. Prerequisite: HIS 104, 106 and permission of instructor.

Students describe, outline and practice the wide range skills and competencies necessary in the management of a typical hearing healthcare office's products and services. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

Students explain and write an overview of deficits of speech, language and hearing, and the role of the speech-language pathologist and audiologist. Students also develop a referral protocol to these specialists for their patients. Prerequisite: HIS 104, 106 and permission of instructor.

In this course students practice connected activities involved in fitting and dispensing hearing instruments, including: Taking impressions, ordering earmolds/hearing instruments, performing quality control checks of incoming inventory, preprogramming analog and digital hearing instruments, performing real ear acoustic measurement and completing a variety of test box verifications. Ordering and record keeping activities are also practiced. Students develop good communication and problem-solving skills. Prerequisite: HIS 104, 106 and permission of instructor.

In this course students practice all skills associated with the provision of hearing healthcare services from the first patient contact to the final hearing instrument checkup. Prerequisite: HIS 104, 106 or permission of instructor.

Students identify, describe and define those elements that an effective marketing campaign should include. Students develop a marketing plan for a typical hearing instrument office. Students also define, practice and demonstrate skills necessary to increase patient compliance with purchase recommendations. Prerequisite: HIS 104, 106 or permission of instructor.

In this course students practice connected activities involved in fitting and dispensing hearing instruments including taking impressions, ordering earmolds/ hearing instruments, performing quality control checks of incoming inventory, pre-programming analog/digital hearing instruments, troubleshooting malfunctioning instruments, and adjusting instruments for better fit and performance. Ordering and record keeping activities also are practiced. Students develop good communication and problem-solving skills. Prerequisite: HIS 104, 106 or permission of instructor.

In this course students practice all skills associated with the provision of hearing healthcare services from the first patient contact to the final hearing instrument checkup. Prerequisite: HIS 104, 106 or permission of instructor.

Students learn to approach their patient recommendations and treatments showing careful consideration of those historical, international, socioeconomic, ethical, personal and age-related perspectives that may influence treatment outcomes. Students modify their perspectives on disability, individual choices, societal values and social responsibilities to provide the best care to all patients. Prerequisite: HIS 104, 106 or permission of instructor.

For course description, see Cooperative Education.

For course description, see Cooperative Education.