Course

Introduction to Hearing Aids

Faculty
Science & Technology
Department
Hearing Instrument Practitioner
Course code
HEAR 1111
Credits
3.00
Semester length
15 weeks
Max class size
15
Method(s) of instruction
Lab
Typically offered
To be determined

Overview

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 activities
  1. Laboratory lecture
  2. Application exercises in lab
  3. Independent study of courseware
  4. Proficiency tests
  5. Laboratory assignments
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%

 

 

 

 

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

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.

Requisites

Course Guidelines

Course Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this course and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the course, consider the previous version as the applicable version.

(Current)

Course Transfers

These are for current course guidelines only. For a full list of archived courses please see https://www.bctransferguide.ca

Institution Transfer details for HEAR 1111
There are no applicable transfer credits for this course.

Course Offerings

Winter 2025