IntroductionDR. GHULAM SAQULAIN

M.B.B.S., D.L.O., F.C.P.S

HEAD OF DEPARTMENT OF ENT

CAPITAL HOSPITAL, ISLAMABAD

Course Description (Credit Hour:2)

This course covers that perception of sound and its physiological effects and aim is to give the students a fundamental understanding of acoustics, the physical principles of operation of the auditory system, the science behind the measurement of hearing function, and the technical aspects of auditory prostheses (including cochlear implants) and audiometric instrumentation.

A dual approach is taken, sometimes stressing the biophysical principles, and sometimes taking a more abstract approach in how to characterize the signals and systems so prevalent in hearing science. Also integrated into the course is essential information about psychoacoustics in normal and impaired hearing.

Course Contents

1. Principles of Amplification; Concepts and principles basic to understanding the acoustic, biological, and psychological bases of human hearing.

2. Instrumentation used in the measurement of acoustic signals and auditory function.

3. Psychoacoustics of discriminating and identifying sounds.

4. Difference between psychological and a neurological perception of sound

5. Description of electro -acoustic characteristics of hearing instruments and techniques for clinical fitting. Selection criteria, Types, Styles and Technology of Amplification devices

Introduction to Audiology

Understanding the Profession of Audiology

Objectives

• Discuss the prevalence of hearing loss and the complications associated with hearing impairment.

• Define the profession of audiology.• Describe the employment opportunities

available to the audiologist.• Understand the academic and clinical

requirements needed to become an audiologist.

Prevalence of Hearing Loss in Pakistan

• Prevalence of hearing loss in Pakistan was 7 to 8 per 1000 live births and this rate was increasing every year.

• There were 300000 deaf people in Pakistan, according to WHO estimates

• Around 300 million people worldwide had a disabling hearing impairment and this could increase to 900 million by 2025.

Impact of Hearing loss in Children

Children with hearing losses in only one ear or very mild losses in both ears may experience difficulties in speech or language development, speech recognition under adverse listening conditions (e.g., classroom noise), educational achievement, and psychosocial behavior.

Impact of Hearing loss in Adults

• Hearing loss in the adult can produce a number of psychosocial complications.

• That is, the elderly who have hearing loss are more likely to have • poor general health, • reduced mobility, • fewer excursions outside the

home,• fewer interpersonal contacts, • more depression and anxiety, • and increased tension.

Other aspects

• Hearing loss also imposes a significant economic burden .

• Other less tangible costs borne by affected individuals and by their families derive from

• emotional stress, • breakdowns in family communication, • and isolation from peer and educational

systems.

Profession of audiology• Audiology is the discipline involved in

the

• prevention, identification, and evaluation of hearing disorders,

• the selection and evaluation of hearing aids,

• and rehabilitation of individuals with hearing loss

Audiology is typically subdivided into specialties according to the nature of the population served. The pediatric audiologist concentrates on the audiologic management of children of all ages. The pediatric audiologist is often employed in a children’s hospital or a health care facility primarily serving children

The medical audiologist works with patients of all ages and is more concerned with establishing the site and cause of a hearing problem. Medical audiologists are typically employed in hospitals as part of either a hearing and speech department or a department of otolaryngology (i.e., Ear, Nose, and Throat, or ENT).

The rehabilitative or dispensing audiologist focuses on the management. Rehabilitative audiologists are often seen in private practice and specialize in the direct dispensation of hearing aids.

The industrial audiologist provides consultative hearing conservation services to companies whose workers are exposed to high noise levels.

The educational audiologist serves children in the schools and is employed or contracted by the educational system