Hearing Instrument Specialist

This course focuses on best practices for effective patient-centred communication. Students will review verbal and non-verbal communication techniques, active listening and basic micro skills needed to build therapeutic rapport with patients. Conflict management strategies and approaches to adapt communication for culturally diverse patients across the lifespan will also be explored in order to avoid communication barriers. Case studies, role play, simulation-based learning and self-reflection activities will provide opportunities to apply and practice essential communication skills required for caring and respectful interactions between health professionals and patients.

• Hours: 42
• Credits: 3
• Pre-Requisites: HEAR1167 AND HEAR1177 AND HEAR1180 OR HEAR1185
• CoRequisites: HEAR1190
• Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.

This course will provide the student with the opportunity to become familiar with the Hearing Aid Manufacturers, non-hearing aid vendors, and entrepreneurship. The student will be exposed to the processes of hearing aid production, distribution, and sales. They will also learn the role of Sales Managers & Customer Service, Production Team and Technical Support clinicians play in supporting patients. The course will also expose the professional roles and responsibilities of the Hearing Instrument Specialist in a variety of workplace settings. Through this experience the student will be required to reflect upon their observations and findings according to criteria established in the course outcomes.

• Hours: 56
• Credits: 3
• Pre-Requisites: HEAR1177 AND HEAR1180 OR HEAR1185
• CoRequisites: HEAR1200
• Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.

This course is designed to introduce the student to clinical practice for the HIS. The student will gain insight into the hearing healthcare field. In particular this course will focus on governing bodies, associations and regulated health professionals. Additionally, this course will introduce the concepts of inter-professional practice and evidence informed practice. Students will gain knowledge of the impact of hearing loss on the aging adult and the impact of aging on the auditory system. Finally, students will be exposed to concept of ehealth and the patient electronic record keeping including non-disclosure of patient information.

• Hours: 42
• Credits: 3
• Pre-Requisites:
• CoRequisites:
• Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.

Hearing Aids 2 continues the concepts and framework of Hearing Aids 1, but focuses primarily on hearing aid measurement. Students will learn how to compare hearing aids to manufacturer specifications and will be introduced to the concept of hearing aid verification. Students will begin to navigate manufacturer fitting software and learn common hearing aid adjustments. Finally, students will be able to differentiate between analog/digital and linear/compression hearing aids. Linear and nonlinear fitting methods will also be introduced. Successful completion of this course relies heavily on absorbing concepts; course delivery consists of classroom lectures.

• Hours: 56
• Credits: 4
• Pre-Requisites: HEAR1167 AND HEAR1180 OR HEAR1185
• CoRequisites: HEAR1155
• Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: $177.35

In this course, the student will continue to discover the many aspects of clinical practice encountered by a Hearing Instrument Specialist. Covering a wide range of topics, the course will provide the student with the diverse skills required to be a successful hearing healthcare provider. The course will look at the causes of tinnitus and various support options for tinnitus management. Students will consider the implications for fitting severe to profound hearing loss including a discussion of cochlear implants and other implantable devices. Students will continue to learn about funding sources available for hearing aids in Ontario. Types and uses of custom hearing protection products will also be covered, along with apps and accessories used with modern hearing devices. Other topics include validation tools for hearing aid fittings, report writing, and aural rehabilitation as incorporated into a typical hearing clinic.

• Hours: 56
• Credits: 4
• Pre-Requisites:
• CoRequisites:
• Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: $19.55