lecture program psychoacoustics and instrumentation

1. Introduction
DR. GHULAM SAQULAIN
M.B.B.S., D.L.O., F.C.P.S
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT OF ENT
CAPITAL HOSPITAL, ISLAMABAD

2. Course Description
(Credit Hour:2)
This course covers that perception of sound and
its physiological effects and aim is to give the
students a fundamental understanding of
acoustics, the physical principles of operation
of the auditory system, the science behind the
measurement of hearing function, and the
technical aspects of auditory prostheses
(including cochlear implants) and audiometric
instrumentation.

3. A dual approach is taken, sometimes
stressing the biophysical principles, and
sometimes taking a more abstract approach
in how to characterize the signals and
systems so prevalent in hearing science. Also
integrated into the course is essential
information about psychoacoustics in
normal and impaired hearing.

4. Course Contents
1. Principles of Amplification; Concepts and
principles basic to understanding the
acoustic, biological, and psychological
bases of human hearing.
2. Instrumentation used in the measurement
of acoustic signals and auditory function.
3. Psychoacoustics of discriminating and
identifying sounds.

5. 4. Difference between psychological and a
neurological perception of sound
5. Description of electro -acoustic
characteristics of hearing instruments
and techniques for clinical fitting.
Selection criteria, Types, Styles and
Technology of Amplification devices

6. Introduction to
Audiology
Understanding the Profession of Audiology

7. Objectives
• Discuss the prevalence of hearing loss and the
complications associated with hearing
impairment.
• Define the profession of audiology.
• Describe the employment opportunities
available to the audiologist.
• Understand the academic and clinical
requirements needed to become an audiologist.

8. Prevalence of Hearing Loss in
Pakistan
• Prevalence of hearing loss in Pakistan was 7 to 8 per
1000 live births and this rate was increasing every
year.
• There were 300000 deaf people in Pakistan,
according to WHO estimates
• Around 300 million people worldwide had a
disabling hearing impairment and this could increase
to 900 million by 2025.

9. Impact of Hearing loss in
Children
Children with hearing losses in only one ear or very
mild losses in both ears may experience difficulties in
speech or language development, speech recognition
under adverse listening conditions (e.g., classroom
noise), educational achievement, and psychosocial
behavior.

10. Impact of Hearing loss in Adults
• Hearing loss in the adult can produce a number of
psychosocial complications.
• That is, the elderly who have hearing loss are more
likely to have
• poor general health,
• reduced mobility,
• fewer excursions outside the home,
• fewer interpersonal contacts,
• more depression and anxiety,
• and increased tension.

11. Other aspects
• Hearing loss also imposes a significant economic
burden .
• Other less tangible costs borne by affected individuals
and by their families derive from
• emotional stress,
• breakdowns in family communication,
• and isolation from peer and educational systems.

12. Profession of audiology
• Audiology is the discipline involved in the
• prevention, identification, and evaluation of hearing
disorders,
• the selection and evaluation of hearing aids,
• and rehabilitation of individuals with hearing loss

13. Audiology is typically subdivided into
specialties according to the nature of the
population served.
 The pediatric audiologist concentrates on the
audiologic management of children of all ages. The
pediatric audiologist is often employed in a children’s
hospital or a health care facility primarily serving
children
 The medical audiologist works with patients of all
ages and is more concerned with establishing the site
and cause of a hearing problem. Medical audiologists
are typically employed in hospitals as part of either a
hearing and speech department or a department of
otolaryngology (i.e., Ear, Nose, and Throat, or ENT).

14.  The rehabilitative or dispensing audiologist focuses on
the management. Rehabilitative audiologists are often
seen in private practice and specialize in the direct
dispensation of hearing aids.
 The industrial audiologist provides consultative hearing
conservation services to companies whose workers are
exposed to high noise levels.

15.  The educational audiologist serves children in
the schools and is employed or contracted by
the educational system