Fitting Methods & Real Ear Measurement

Curriculum guideline

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Course
HEAR 2111
Discontinued
No
Course code
HEAR 2111
Descriptive
Fitting Methods & Real Ear Measurement
Department
Hearing Instrument Practitioner
Faculty
Science & Technology
Credits
3.00
Start date
End term
Not Specified
PLAR
Yes
Semester length
15 weeks
Max class size
30
Contact hours
3 hours per week/45 hours per semester
Method(s) of instruction
Lecture
Lab
Learning activities
  1. Laboratory lecture
  2. Application exercises in lab
  3. Independent study of courseware
  4. Completion of proficiency tests
  5. Completion of laboratory assignments
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.
Course content

 

  1. Overview of linear hearing aid verification by means of functional gain
  2. Linear based hearing aid fitting methods of yesterday
  3. Compression based fitting methods of today
  4. Introduction to verification by real ear measurement (REM)
  5. REM verifications versus manufacturer fitting software predictions
Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to: 

  1. Describe the general history and development of fitting methods for linear hearing aids
  2. Define the elements of today’s fitting methods based on compression signal processing
  3. Discuss differences in philosophy and objectives among the various popular fitting methods
  4. Compare the targets of today’s most popular fitting methods, for example, NAL-NL1, NAL-NL2 and DSL5
  5. Modify hearing aid fitting method targets so as to best match the particular needs of the individual client
  6. Explain the basic principles of old versus new real ear measurement (REM) as methods of fitting verification
  7. Integrate predictions made by fitting software with subsequent verification by REM
  8. Synthesize audiometric findings, psych-social profiles, fitting methods, verification measures, and validation scales
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%

Textbook materials

Consult the Douglas College Bookstore for required materials.

Prerequisites

HEAR 1310

Corequisites

HEAR 2100, HEAR 2101, HEAR 2112

Equivalencies

N/A

Which prerequisite

HEAR 2200, HEAR 2201, HEAR 2210, HEAR 2212