Course Description
This course builds upon the topics covered in Hearing Aids & Bioacoustics I (HEAR 1100). Concepts previously introduced such as compression, channels, programs, directional microphones, and digital noise reduction will be greatly expanded upon in this course.
Course Content
- Introduction to compression as compared to linear signal processing
- Input/output functions, and how to read them
- Comparison of output limiting compression (OLC) versus wide dynamic range compression (WDRC)
- Dynamic aspects of compression (attack/release times)
- Multi-channel and programmability in hearing aids
- Compression in digital hearing aids
- Features common to digital hearing aids such as digital noise reduction, feedback reduction and expansion
Learning Activities
- Online delivery
- Independent study of courseware
- Independent completion of online self-assessment quizzes
- Completion of field assignments
- Participation in online discussion forums
Means of Assessment
The course evaluation will be consistent with Douglas College evaluation policy. An evaluation schedule will be provided in the course outline at the beginning of the course.
Midterm exam – 20-30%
Quizzes – 20-40%
Field Assignments - 0-10%
Online Discussions - 0-10%
Final exam – 20-30%
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Define the elements of linear versus compression signal processing
- Categorize the various commonly used types of compression found in today’s digital hearing aids, such as output limiting compression (OLC) and wide dynamic range compression (WDRC)
- Recognize acoustic characteristics of linear and compression types of signal processing
- Explain dynamic aspects of compression found in digital hearing aids
- Discuss multi-channel and programmable properties in hearing aids
- Explain the basic technology behind directional microphones
- Describe features found in digital hearing aids, such as digital noise reduction and feedback reduction
- Compare the clinical benefits of directional microphones and digital noise reduction for understanding speech in background noise
Textbook Materials
Consult the Douglas College Bookstore for required materials.