Hearing Aid Fitting and Audiology Course

Lesson 1 • Physics of Sound and Hearing

Explains frequency, intensity, wavelength, and decibel scales. Connects acoustic principles to audiometric measurement and hearing aid design.

Lesson 2 • Anatomy of the Auditory System

Covers outer, middle, and inner ear structures and their functional roles. Establishes anatomical vocabulary used throughout all clinical procedures.

Lesson 3 • Classification of Hearing Loss

Defines conductive, sensorineural, and mixed hearing loss types by etiology and audiometric profile. Guides appropriate intervention selection.

Lesson 1 • Audiogram Interpretation and Case Analysis

Synthesizes multi-test results into a diagnostic impression and candidacy determination. Prepares students to translate findings into fitting targets.

Lesson 2 • Pure-Tone Audiometry Procedures

Teaches air and bone conduction testing using standardized protocols. Accurate thresholds form the basis for all subsequent fitting calculations.

Lesson 3 • Speech Audiometry

Covers speech recognition threshold and word recognition score testing. Results quantify functional hearing ability beyond pure-tone sensitivity.

Lesson 4 • Immittance and Tympanometry

Explains tympanometry, acoustic reflex testing, and Eustachian tube function assessment. Identifies middle ear pathology affecting fitting candidacy.

Lesson 1 • Hearing Aid Styles and Form Factors

Compares BTE, RIC, ITE, ITC, CIC, and IIC styles by acoustic and ergonomic properties. Matches style to degree of loss and patient lifestyle.

Lesson 2 • Advanced Signal Processing Features

Covers noise reduction, feedback management, directional processing, and frequency lowering. Students evaluate feature appropriateness for individual patient profiles.

Lesson 3 • Wireless Connectivity and Accessories

Reviews Bluetooth, proprietary wireless protocols, and remote microphone accessories. Expands understanding of hearing aid use in complex listening environments.

Lesson 4 • Digital Signal Processing Fundamentals

Explains analog-to-digital conversion, DSP chips, and processing channels. Establishes the technical basis for programming and fine-tuning decisions.

Lesson 1 • Earmold Impression Techniques

Teaches otoscopic inspection, otoblock placement, and impression material injection. Accurate impressions are prerequisite to well-fitting custom earmolds.

Lesson 2 • Earmold Materials and Styles

Compares hard acrylic, soft silicone, and hybrid earmold materials by retention and acoustic properties. Material choice affects comfort and acoustic seal.

Lesson 3 • Open and Slim-Tube Fittings

Covers open-dome and slim-tube coupling for mild-to-moderate high-frequency loss. Balances occlusion reduction with adequate gain delivery.

Lesson 1 • Fitting Verification for Special Populations

Adapts real-ear procedures for pediatric, elderly, and cognitively impaired patients. Ensures prescriptive targets are met when behavioral feedback is limited.

Lesson 2 • Prescriptive Formula Principles

Compares NAL-NL2, DSL v5, and proprietary prescriptive approaches by underlying rationale. Selecting the correct formula optimizes audibility for each patient.

Lesson 3 • Matching Gain to Prescriptive Targets

Demonstrates adjusting hearing aid gain to match real-ear targets across frequencies. Systematic matching ensures audibility of soft, average, and loud speech.

Lesson 1 • Bilateral Fitting and Binaural Coordination

Addresses binaural fitting balance, inter-ear communication, and binaural beamforming setup. Optimizes spatial hearing and listening effort for bilateral users.

Lesson 2 • Feature Configuration and Programs

Configures noise reduction, directional modes, and multiple listening programs. Tailored programs improve performance across diverse listening environments.

Lesson 3 • Gain and Compression Adjustments

Covers channel-by-channel gain edits, compression knee-point changes, and output limiting. Adjustments address audibility and loudness comfort simultaneously.

Lesson 4 • Fitting Software Navigation and Setup

Introduces audiogram entry, device detection, and initial program creation in fitting software. Efficient software use reduces chair time and patient fatigue.

Lesson 1 • Soundfield Audiometry and Aided Thresholds

Measures aided thresholds in a soundfield to confirm audibility of speech frequencies. Particularly critical for pediatric fittings where behavioral feedback is limited.

Lesson 2 • Validated Outcome Questionnaires

Introduces HHIE, COSI, APHAB, and IOI-HA as standardized benefit measures. Questionnaire data quantify subjective benefit and guide counseling priorities.

Lesson 3 • Functional Speech Testing in Noise

Uses QuickSIN, HINT, and BKB-SIN to measure aided speech-in-noise performance. Results validate real-world benefit beyond quiet-environment audiometry.

Lesson 1 • Communication Strategies and Repair

Trains patients and partners in active listening, repair strategies, and environmental modifications. Reduces communication breakdowns beyond device performance alone.

Lesson 2 • Long-Term Follow-Up and Maintenance

Establishes a follow-up schedule for device maintenance, reprogramming, and outcome reassessment. Ongoing care sustains benefit as hearing and lifestyle needs evolve.

Lesson 3 • Auditory Training and Acclimatization

Structures a graduated listening schedule and auditory training exercises for new users. Systematic acclimatization improves long-term speech understanding outcomes.

Lesson 4 • Hearing Aid Orientation and Handling

Teaches insertion, removal, battery management, and basic controls to new users. Hands-on orientation builds confidence and reduces early device returns.