Western Washington University
Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders
CSD 482 CLINICAL HEARING TECHNOLOGY
WINTER 2014
MWF 9:00-9:50
AIC West #403
INSTRUCTOR: Rieko M. Darling, Ph.D.
PHONE:
650-3143 (o) 650-0966 (h)
739-5357 (c)
Email:
rieko.darling@wwu.edu
OFFICE:
OFFICE HOURS:
AI372
Posted
or by appt.
GENERAL COURSE DESIGN AND OBJECTIVES
This course is designed to familiarize majors in Communication Sciences and Disorders
with a basic introduction to instrumentation routinely used in the field of Audiology. The
role of technology in the assessment of auditory and vestibular function will be described.
The fundamental principles of analog and digital circuitry will be presented. Clinical
equipment utilized in audiological and vestibular measurements will be presented and
demonstrated. Calibration, maintenance, and simple trouble shooting procedures will
also be addressed. Additionally, basic principles of electronics and electrical safety will
be covered. Students will be familiarized with the concepts underlying the technology of
audiologic instrumentation so that test protocols and information obtained with the
instrumentation can be properly applied and accurately interpreted. At the end of the
course the student will be able to:
 Identify basic principles of electronics and electronic safety
 Develop awareness and understanding of how technological advances are utilized
in assessment of auditory and vestibular systems, and in amplification procedures.
 Develop awareness of how audiologic clinical instrumentation measures are used
to differentiate normal from disordered populations.
 Distinguish the principles and record keeping requirements of electroacoustic
calibration of audiologic instrumentation.
The class is presented in a lecture format, supplemented by handouts, visual media,
internet/web based links, and demonstrations.
Specific CSD 482 course learning outcomes and related ASHA certification standards:
o Students will exhibit knowledge of basic anatomy and physiology of the
perihperhal and central hearing, processing, and balance mechanisms.
Standard IV-B: Biological, Neurological, Psychological, Developmental;
Standard IV-C: Characteristics; Standard IV-D: Assessment
o Students will describe the subjective attributes of sound.
Standard IV-B: Acoustical; Psychological; Standard IV-D-Assessment,
Treatment, Prevention
o Students will understand what is meant by various type of decibels (sound
pressure, hearing, sensation, etc.).
Standard IV-B: Acoustical; Psychological; Standard IV-D-Assessment,
Treatment, Prevention
o Students will exhibit knowledge of basic audiologic protocols and equipment for
assessment and treatment of hearing, processing, and balance issues
Standard IV-D: Assessment, Treatment, Intervention
REQUIRED READINGS

Decker, T. and Carrell, T. Instrumentation (3rd Ed.), (2004) Lawrence Erlbaum
Associates, Mahwah, NJ (copies of required sections provided for student to signout for short term review)
 Abbreviated versions of PowerPoint lectures on Blackboard
 Supplemental handouts posted on Blackboard or given in class
ATTENDANCE
You are expected to arrive on-time and be prepared for each class. This means that
readings and assignments have been completed as appropriate. Attendance is required
and class-attendance will be taken. I encourage you to obtain the lecture notes from
your classmate(s) if you miss a class. You will be allowed (“forgiven”) one unexcused
absence for the quarter.
COURSE REQUIREMENT: Student performance will be evaluated via one inclass examination, a take home final examination, participation in class activities, and
satisfactory completion of take-home assignments.
 Examinations (80%) will be based on information presented in class lectures,
activities/assignments, readings, and handouts. The midterm exam (Exam #1)
will be accomplished within a 50 minute class time frame. The final exam (Exam
#2) will be a take home/open book/open notes type exam. All unexcused
absences on the midterm exam date or failure to submit the take home final
examination by the due date will result in a grade of F (0%) for that exam. There
will be no "make-up" exams unless a medical excuse is presented or prior
approval is obtained. Approved make-up time/date for a missed midterm class
exam must be arranged with the instructor within 1 day following the original
scheduled exam date.
EXAM #1 (40%) – Date TBA
TAKE HOME EXAM #2 (40%) - Due 3/21/14 by 12:30 pm
 Take Home Assignments and In-Class Activities (20%):
Various “hands on” class activities will be accomplished throughout the quarter.
Activities missed during these classes cannot be made up and will be weighed
into the final grade. Out of class/take home assignments not submitted or
presented by the due/assigned date will receive a grade of F (0%) for that
assignment. There will be no extensions on take home assignments unless a
medical excuse is presented or the instructor gives prior approval.
GRADING SCALE:
92.5 to 100 pts=
89.5 to 92.49 =
86.5 to 89.49 =
82.5 to 86.49 =
79.5 to 82.49 =
A
AB+
B
B-
76.5 to 79.49
72.5 to 76.49
69.5 to 72.49
66.5 to 69.49
62.5 to 66.49
=
=
=
=
=
C+
C
CD+
D
59.5 to 62.49 =
59.49 or less =
DF
NOTE: Students with specific disabilities requiring special accommodations must
contact the Office of Disability Resources for Students (OM 110, ext. 3083) for
verification, necessary forms, and coordination of services.
ACADEMIC HONESTY
Academic integrity is demanded throughout all aspects of coursework. Students are
required to have read and to understand the Western Washington University Academic
Dishonesty Policy and Procedure, as listed in the 2013-2014 Western Washington
University Catalog (Appendix D). This policy states, in part: “All Western Washington
University students have an obligation to fulfill the responsibilities of their particular
roles as members of an academic community. Honesty is essential to learning. Without it,
fair evaluation for all is impossible. Academic integrity is demanded, and academic
dishonesty at Western Washington University is a serious infraction dealt with severely.
No student shall not claim as their own, the achievements, work or arguments of others,
nor shall they be a party to such claims”. For complete information and a list of examples
illustrating academic dishonesty and plagiarism and procedures for academic dishonesty
cases, refer to the 2013-2014 Catalog (Appendix D).
TOPIC OUTLINE
 Basic Electronics, Power Supplies, and Electrical Safety
o Electrical fields and charges
o Current, voltage, resistance and power
o Ohms law
o Basic circuitry, open and short circuits
o Grounding and other safety precautions
 Overview of Basic Instrumentation Components
o Amplifiers, attenuators, mixers, switches, and filters
o Input and output transducers
o Analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog storage and converters
o Wires, cables, connectors, and adapters
 Technology and Instrumentation for Assessment of Hearing and Auditory System
Structures and Function
o Otoscopy
o Video otoscopy
o Screening and diagnostic immittance units
o Screening and diagnostic audiometers
o Otoacoustic emission systems
o Auditory evoked potential systems
 Technology and Instrumentation for Hearing Aid Analysis, Selection and Fitting
Procedures
o Electroacoustic analysis
o Real ear probe microphone
o Computerized fitting software and programming systems
 Technology and Instrumentation for Assessment of Dizziness and Vestibular
System Structures and Function
o Electronystagmography
o Videonystagmography
 If time permits -- Calibration in Clinical Audiology
o Calibration standards
o Parameters of calibration
o Equipment for performing electroacoustic calibration
o Calibration of audiometric equipment
o Audiometric test room standards and measurements
o Biologic calibration and basic troubleshooting