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
Anatomical Inspection
1. Otoscopic inspection
2. Auricular inspection
Puretone Audiometry
1. Air conduction tests
2. Bone conduction tests
3. Masking procedures
Speech Audiometry
1. Word discrimination tests
2. Threshold tests
3. Masking procedures
Special Tests
1. Retrocochlear tests
Soundfield Audiometry
1. Non-verbal tests
2. Speech threshold tests
3. Word discrimination tests
4. Instrument selection andvalidation 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. Amplifiers
3. Transducers
4. Potentiometers
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
Acoustic Coupler Systems
1. NAEL Standards
2. External ear anatomy and acoustic coupler considerations
3. Specifying acoustic coupler characteristics
4. In-office acoustic coupler fabrication
Acoustic Coupler Modifications and Effects
1. Canal modifications
2. Bore modifications
3. Venting
The Acoustic Transmission Line
1. NAEL Standards
2. Acoustic filters and dampers
Special Acoustic Couplers
1. Tube fittings
2. Modular and custom ITE instruments
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
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
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. Soundfield testing
2. 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
Record Keeping
1. Patient files and records
2. Business records and files
3. Complying with laws and rules
Parts and Accessories
1. Inventory procedures
Aseptic Techniques
1. Personal hygiene
2. Equipment and supplies
Continuing Education
1. State of the art and the practitioner
2. Legal and certification requirements
Marketing and Sales
1. Motivational
2. Direct mail
3. Financial planning and responsibilities
