AuD Curriculum

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Basic Manual Communication (UWSP) or Sign Language (UW-Madison). Proficiency in beginning Manually Coded English (MCE) through the comprehension and use of fingerspelling and manual signs. Other areas covered include history of sign language, descriptions of signing systems, and issues related to sign language in schools.

Professional Issues: Diversity and Multicultural Issues. Evaluation and management of persons with communication disorders across diverse cultural, personal values and beliefs.

Professional Issues: Medical Setting. Evaluation and management of persons with communication disorders within a medical setting. Information regarding various medical settings, ethics, functional goals, and documentation (e.g. billing, reporting, etc.).

Pediatric Audiology. Study of the normal physical, social, cognitive, speech and language, and auditory development in children, the causes and effects of childhood hearing loss, hearing screening and the principles of early intervention, and the behavioral and objective assessment of hearing in children

Occupational Audiology. Consideration of principles and issues regarding the effects of noise on people, of federal and state regulation of workplace noise, and of the practical aspects of hearing conservation for those exposed to occupational noise, non-occupational noise, or both.

Counseling in Audiology. Study of various roles of counseling in the rehabilitative process, and the ethical obligations of those who serve such roles. Awareness and skill are developed in how to build a trusting relationship, convey diagnostic information, inform and empower the patient/consumer as to their rights and community resources, and respond to the way hearing loss impacts the person's social-economic life.

Research Methods. Critical analysis of research in speech-language pathology and audiology including theoretical support, research design, statistical levels of measurement, methods of reporting research results, and drawing conclusions from the results. Students will be encouraged to pursue research interests during the course.

Pediatric Habilitation/Rehabilitation. Study of the principles and techniques of intervention with hearing impaired children, including the selection and fitting of amplification, the effect of hearing impairment on speech perception, production, and language, communication and educational options, and the re/habilitation of communication skills.

Auditory and Vestibular Pathologies I. Survey of the most common peripheral auditory system pathologies and their presentation in the auditory evaluation.

The Human Balance System: Structure, Assessment, and Rehabilitation. Study of human balance function with emphasis on the vestibular system, including neurophysiology, testing, and rehabilitation. Clinical experience performing the electronystagmography (ENG) and videonystagmography (VNG) examination and analyzing the results, and familiarity with rotational and posturography tests, and various techniques for treatment.

The Human Balance System Laboratory. The focus will be on training the student to perform and analyze the results of electronystagmography (ENG) and videonystagmography (VNG) examinations, and practice the canalith repositioning maneuver. If possible, students will observe the administration of rotational and posturography tests.

Acoustics and Perception of Speech. Basic aspects of general and speech acoustics are covered. Classical and contemporary theories of speech perception are discussed, including speech perception of hearing impaired individuals.

Geriatric Diagnostics/Rehabilitation. A study of basic theories of aging, anatomical and physiological effects of aging on the auditory and balance systems, and resulting communication difficulties associated with aging. The course emphasizes both the diagnostic and rehabilitative challenges in working with elderly patients.

Hearing Science I: Basic Physical, Physiological, and Psychological Acoustics. Study of anatomy and physiology of the human auditory system, with an emphasis on the peripheral system. Basic concepts in psychoacoustics are discussed with reference to the normal and pathological auditory systems.

Hearing Science II: Advanced Topics in Hearing and Balance. This course will introduce students to advanced terminology, concepts, theories, and experimental procedures related to psychophysics, anatomy and physiology of the auditory and vestibular systems. The focus will be on central mechanisms of hearing and balance, and the role that these processes play in psychophysical phenomena.

Hearing Assessment. Diagnostic audiology familiarizes students with the bases, purpose, rationale and procedures for tests of auditory function. A major focus is examining the available evidence as bases for test selections and realizing the objectives of diagnostic procedures.

Hearing Assessment Laboratory. Lab experience focusing on performance of basic audiology tests.

Electroacoustics & Instrumentation Calibration. Systematic review of physical concepts of acoustics and electronics underpinning the practice of audiology, as well as formally adopted standards by which clinical environments, instruments and procedures are calibrated.

Electroacoustics & Instrumentation Calibration Laboratory. Laboratory application of physical concepts of acoustics and electronics underpinning the practice of audiology, including measurement standards by which clinical environments, instruments and procedures are calibrated. Concurrent enrollment in CD 801 required.

Amplification Systems I. Study of hearing aid function, fitting strategies and repair. Use of probe microphone measures in hearing aid fitting and electroacoustic evaluation of the hearing aid. Cerumen removal and ear impression technique.

Amplification Systems I Laboratory. Testing fitting and repairing hearing aids, performing basic hearing aid tests and repairs, proper cerumen removal and ear impression techniques, and using appropriate strategies in fitting. Electroacoustic evaluation and use of probe microphone measures in hearing aid fitting.

Physiological Assessment of the Auditory System I. Study of concepts and procedures in physiological assessment of the auditory system, with emphasis on otoacoustic emissions and auditory brainstem responses. Clinical applications and case studies integrate these recordings with behavioral assessment of the auditory system.

Physiological Assessment of the Auditory System I Laboratory. Laboratory experience in the procedures and interpretation of physiological assessment of the auditory system, with the major emphasis on otoacoustic emissions and the auditory brainstem response. Clinical applications and case studies integrate these recordings with behavioral assessment of the auditory system.

Physiological Assessment of the Auditory System II. Advanced study of physiological measures used by audiologists in threshold and diagnostic evaluations, including acoustic immittance, middle and long latency auditory evoked potentials, P300, and MMN. Course includes an introduction to evaluation of the balance system.

Physiological Assessment of the Auditory System II Laboratory. Laboratory experience in objective measures used by audiologists for threshold and diagnostic evaluations, including acoustic immittance, middle and long latency auditory evoked potentials, P300, and MMN. Demonstrations, projects, and case studies prepare students to administer and interpret these tests.

Auditory and Vestibular Pathologies II. Major disorders of the auditory and vestibular systems, with an emphasis on differential diagnosis of disorders of the end organ and neural systems, and multisystem disorders. Causal factors, treatment, and prognosis are included. Didactic lectures and student presentations focus on case studies.

Implantable Auditory Prostheses The audiological management of severe to profound hearing loss using implantable auditory prostheses. This course will focus on cochlear implants, and will also provide an introduction to the auditory brainstem implant

Auditory Processing Disorders A review of auditory processing and language disorders of school age children and adolescents. Emphasis on description of disorders, assessment techniques, and intervention strategies.

Practice Management. Consideration of non-profit and for-profit practice models with emphasis on organizational structure, legal and tax implications, financial performance, policies and practices of personnel management, marketing strategies, risk management and professional ethics.

Amplification Systems II. Strategies for fitting hearing aids, including selection and recommendation, use of prescription gain formulas, and verification of gain. Considerations in geriatric and pediatric hearing aid fitting and ethical issues. Basic techniques in determining patient satisfaction with hearing aids.

Clerkship in Audiology I. An introductory practicum focusing on the acquisition of beginning skills in both screening and diagnostic audiology. It provides initial training in the use of audiometric instruments and software, patient interactions, and reporting procedures.

Clerkship in Audiology II. The second year of practicum focuses on the physiologic assessment of the vestibular and the peripheral and central auditory systems. It also provides continued development of skills in the assessment of hearing and the implementation of treatment plans across ages.

Clerkship in Audiology III. The third year of practicum provides opportunities to practice skills in settings outside of the university clinics. The goal is to develop all skills beyond the introductory stage so that the student can perform assessments and treatment with less supervision.

Externship In Audiology. The final year of practicum continues development of skills in the assessment of hearing and the implementation of treatment plans across all ages. The goal is to develop skills to the Mastery level where the student can perform competently with a minimum of supervision.

Capstone Project. Independent work on capstone project.

Seminar: Problems In Audiology. Etiology, nature, and rehabilitation implications of specific hearing impairments.

Capstone Requirements

A capstone project will be completed during the third year of study. This project will require an in-depth literature review to probe a controversial clinical topic or a clinically relevant, limited scope investigation. The nature and focus of the capstone project must be accepted by a committee of three faculty and academic staff with at least two faculty members and representation from both campuses. Each student will work with a faculty mentor in developing the project. At the end of the third year, the student will produce a written report for the committee and will present a report on the project at a meeting of colleagues and faculty. The student’s committee will determine whether the student passes this exercise and will make appropriate recommendations if the work is less than satisfactory. This project is a substantial, summative report on a clinical topic, with a close connection to clinical experience, knowledge, and practice. The quality of the project should render it acceptable as a presentation at a clinical meeting but it will not necessarily be of publishable quality.