Introduction to Audiology

At the end of this course, the student should be able to: 1. relate the history of origin of audiology; 2. state the scientific principles on which audiology as a health care profession is based, and its fundamental role in the general wellbeing of humans; 3. explain his/her role in the chain of multidisciplinary management of patients with aural disorder; 4. apply the knowledge of resonance (place) and frequency theories learnt in the course; 5. explain patient’s confidentiality, safety, and comfort; 6. list out the scope of practice of audiology; 7. demonstrate skill of preventive, curative and rehabilitative audiology learnt in the introductory course; 8. define the properties of sound and psychoacoustics; 9. describe the role family and significant others can and should play in the management of audiologic patients; 10. demonstrate conduct and ethical standards as required in the practice of audiology; and 11. explain an overview of audiological practice learnt in the course.

Philosophy and underlying principles of Audiology practices. History, ethical orientation and scope of practice. Roles of Audiology in preventive, curative and rehabilitative care. Importance of patients and patient’s family in audiological treatment. Responsibilities of the clinician and the patient. Student/patient relationship. Respect and confidentiality. Patient care communication – Professional conduct and ethical practice. Teamwork. Listening and interviewing skills. Use and interpretation of verbal and nonverbal communication. Emotional responses to, and strategies for managing patient’s behaviour, patient’s safety and comfort. Definition of terms like vibrations, frequency, intensity and duration as related to sound. Pitch, loudness and duration as related to psychoacoustics.