Physics of Sound and Basic Acoustics
1. Propagation of sound
2. Physical characteristics of sound
3. Measurements of sound
4. Audiometric notation
Anatomy and Physiology of the Human Ear
1. Anatomy of the ear
2. Physiology of hearing
3. Theories of hearing
4. Causes and treatment of hearing impairment
5. Tinnitus
Anatomical Inspection
1. Otoscopic inspection
2. Auricular inspection
3. Cerumen Management
Pure Tone Audiometry
1. Air conduction tests
2. Bone conduction tests
3. Masking procedures
Speech Audiometry
1. Word discrimination tests
2. Threshold tests
3. Masking procedures
4. Measures of dynamic range
Special Tests
1. Retrocochlear tests
Sound Field Audiometry
1. Non-verbal tests
2. Speech threshold tests
3. Word discrimination tests
4. Instrument selection & validation procedures
5. Special tests and procedures
Tympanometry
1. Basic theory and procedures
2. Advantages and limitations for instrument selection
Audiogram Interpretations
1. Classification of hearing losses
2. Patterns and configurations of hearing loss
3. Dynamic ranges of hearing
Speech Test Interpretations
1. Threshold test results
2. Word discrimination test results
3. Dynamic range implications
Referral Criteria
1. FDA guidelines
2. Special auditory training
Establishing Patient Rapport
1. Establishing patient empathy
2. Emotional and psychological considerations
3. Demonstrating professionalism
Eliciting Patient History
1. Recognizing pertinent information
2. Patient referral sources
History and development of Hearing Instruments
1. Pre-electronic systems
2. Early electronic systems
3. Modern systems
Hearing Instrument Basic Electronics
1. General circuit principles
2. Transducers
3. Fitting Software
4. Connectivity
Surgically Implanted Hearing Devices
1. Cochlear Implant
2. Osseo-integrated devices
3. Middle ear implants
4. Brainstem implant
Electro-Acoustic Specifications
1. ISO Standards
2. ANSI Standards
3. Other standards
Hearing Instrument Analysis
1. Biological checks and procedures
2. Basic and advanced electro-acoustic analyzers
Troubleshooting and Repairs
1. Feedback
2. Intermittent function
3. Battery checks
4. Non-functioning
5. Cleaning
6. Noisy
7. External controls
External Ear Canal Acoustics
1. Implications of cavity size to acoustic coupler
2. Measuring the acoustic cavity
Earmolds and Custom Shells
1. External ear anatomy and earmold considerations
3. Specifying earmold characteristics (tubing diameter; venting; canal length; materials)
4. In-office earmold fabrication
Earmold and Custom Shell Modifications and Acoustic Effects (canal; bore; venting)
Earmold/Hearing Aid Acoustic Considerations
1. Filters and dampers
2. Tube fittings
Dispensing Office Lab
1. Equipment and supplies
2. Utilizing lab equipment
Anatomical Inspection
1. External ear considerations
2. Other physical parameters
Impression Taking Techniques
1. Blocking the canal
2. Impression materials
3. Use of equipment and supplies
4. Impressions of the ear
5. Judging impression results
Preparing the Impression
1. In-office lab impressions
2. Communicating with the earmold lab
In-Office Acoustic Coupler Fabrication
1. Equipment and materials
2. Techniques in fabrication
Parameters of Amplification Selection
1. Electro-acoustic considerations
2. Acoustic coupler considerations
3. Modification procedures
4. Anatomical considerations
5. Procedure for hearing aid demonstration (the “Demo”)
Physical Considerations
1. Styles of instruments
2. Styles of acoustic couplers
Communicating with the Manufacturer
1. Instrument specifications
2. Special order systems
3. Custom ITE systems
Preparing the Instrument for Fitting
1. Pre-fitting checks and adjustments
2. Electro-acoustic analysis
Assistive Devices
1. Looping
2. Wireless
3. FM systems
4. Alerting systems
Physical Fitting
1. Communicating with the patient
2. Techniques in fitting
3. Instructing the patient
4. Adjustments and modifications
Initial Counseling
1. Limitations, need for adjustments and follow-up
2. Care and use of the amplification system
3. Use of special or additional amplification devices
4. Family member counseling
Determining Efficacy of the Amplification System
1. Real-Ear Measurements/Verification
2. Speech Mapping
3. Soundfield Testing
4. Validation
5. Other Criteria
Post Fitting Visits
1. Soundfield efficacy testing
2. Reinforcement counseling
3. Adjustments and modifications
Amplification System Maintenance
1. Cleaning, checking and testing the instrument
2. Maintenance of the acoustic coupler and accessories
Handling System Malfunctions
1. Recognizing and isolating problems
2. In-office repairs
3. Factory and/or lab repairs
4. Use of loaner instruments
Periodic Re-Evaluations
1. Periodic otoscopic inspections
2. Periodic audiometric re-testing
3. Referral considerations
Audiometric Equipment
1. Biological checks
2. Periodic calibrations
Office Management
1. Patient files and records
2. Business records and files
3. Complying with laws and rules
Parts and Accessories
1. Inventory procedures
Infection Control
1. Personal Hygiene
2. Equipment and supplies
Continuing Education
1. State of the art and the practitioner
2. Licensure and certification requirements
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Marketing and Sales
1. Motivational
2. Direct Mail
3. Financial Planning and Responsibilities
Service Delivery
1. Tele Health
2. Other
