Course Description
This course focuses on prescription fitting methods and real ear measurement (REM). An integral part of hearing health care is to determine how much amplification to provide for clients with specific amounts and types of hearing loss; this is the goal of fitting methods. A following concern is to verify that the goals of the fitting methods have indeed been achieved. The development of fitting methods and REM have been intertwined over the years.
Means of Assessment
The course evaluation will be consistent with Douglas College evaluation policy. An evaluation schedule is presented at the beginning of the course.
Midterm Exam – 20-30%
Quizzes – 10-20%
Proficiency Tests - 0-10%
Assignments - 10-20%
Final Exam – 20-30%
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Describe the general history and development of fitting methods for linear hearing aids
- Define the elements of today’s fitting methods based on compression signal processing
- Discuss differences in philosophy and objectives among the various popular fitting methods
- Compare the targets of today’s most popular fitting methods, for example, NAL-NL1, NAL-NL2 and DSL5
- Modify hearing aid fitting method targets so as to best match the particular needs of the individual client
- Explain the basic principles of old versus new real ear measurement (REM) as methods of fitting verification
- Integrate predictions made by fitting software with subsequent verification by REM
- Synthesize audiometric findings, psych-social profiles, fitting methods, verification measures, and validation scales
Textbook Materials
Consult the Douglas College Bookstore for required materials.