UKZN Audiology Undergraduate Courses 

Content: Introduction to Audiology and Audiometry, otological assessment, tuning fork tests, case history interview, pure tone air- and bone conduction audiometry, speech audiometry, immitance audiometry, test battery approach, test administration and equipment usage, analysis and interpretation of results.

Practicals: Department practical to develop testing skill and hospital observations

Assessment: 2 tests; 1 practical test;1 resource file (60%),1 x 2 hr examination, which equals 40% of the final mark. A subminimum mark of 40% is required for the examination.

DP Requirement: A minimum 75% lecture attendance, with a CAM of ≥ 40%.

Aim: To introduce students to the fundamental concepts relating to acoustics and psychoacoustics and to facilitate an understanding of the nature and management of disorders/pathology affecting the auditory system and audiological sequelae.

Content: Nature and measurement of sound, complex waveforms, resonance and filtering, distortion, sound transmission, absorption and reflection. Psychoacoustics, auditory response area, auditory threshold, audiogram, frequency, intensity, sound discrimination, monaural and binaural hearing. Classification of auditory disorders; physiology of the ear and hearing, etiology, pathology, otologic treatment, and management of congenital and acquired disorders affecting the outer, middle and inner ear, and auditory nerve and central auditory pathways; audiological manifestation, tinnitus, introduction to functional hearing loss.

Assessment: 2 tests (2 x 25%), 2 assignments (2 x 25%). The examination comprises of two 1 hour written papers. A subminimum mark of 40% is required for each of paper 1 & paper 2. Each examination paper will contribute 50% toward the exam mark.

DP Requirement: A minimum of 75% lecture attendance and a CAM of ≥40%.

Aim: The aim of this module is to enable the SLP to screen the hearing of clients who present with SLP problems by means of behavioural screening techniques. This includes all clients that comprise the SLP case load and includes clients across the age spectrum and in various clinical contexts.

Content: Plan, initiate and conduct a needs analysis of clients requiring audiometric screening, plan identification programmes, to execute identification programmes, to manage and monitor the identification programmes. Make appropriate referrals, compile and maintain records.

Assessment: Assessment is via continuous assessment and shall contribute 100% toward the final mark. Assessment will comprise clinical evaluations, reports, a group project and paper cases.

DP Requirement: The student shall be attend of all scheduled contact periods in the module except where a student has been specifically excused from a particular session by the academic coordinator or his/her authorized representative.

Corequisite: CPAU212

Aim: To provide learning opportunities to understand the types of procedures utilized in the auditory assessment of infants and young children (0-5 years), as well as the difficult to test population. To help students understand the philosophy and approach to paediatric hearing assessment and the issues involved.

Content: Development of the auditory mechanism, normal auditory development, hearing disorders in children, paediatric hearing screening, intervention issues, behavioural hearing testing with children, physiological testing, the difficult to test/multiply handicapped child.

Practicals: Exposure to and orientation to test equipment and test procedures.

Assessment: Tests, assignment (60%), and a two-hour written examination (40%). A subminimum mark of 40% is required for the examination.

DP Requirement: 100% attendance at practicals and 75% lectures

Corequisite: CPAU212

Aim: To facilitate an understanding of the principles underlying various special audiometric tests, to critically discuss testing procedures and to interpret the results obtained from the administration of a special test battery. This theoretical knowledge is essential to the differential diagnosis of clients presenting with an organic or non-organic hearing impairment.

Content: Historical perspective of special tests, diagnostic implementation of immitance measures, tests of cochlear function, tests of retro-cochlear function, tests of central auditory function, and the principles that underline the selection & administration of a special battery of tests.

Practicals: Department Practical for developing testing skills.

Assessment: Two written and one practical test. The written tests are each weighted at 45% each and the practical test is weighted at 10% to make up 100%. There is also a 2 hour final written exam which constitutes 40% of the final mark. A subminimum mark of 40% is required for the examination.

DP Requirement: Attend 100% of the scheduled practical sessions, attend a minimum of 75% of the lectures and obtain a CAM of ≥40%.

Aim: To develop clinical skills in the initial evaluation of hearing disorders using conventional audiometry, including site-of- lesion tests.

Content: Obtaining and conducting a case interview, selecting and administering a basic audiometric test battery and special test battery for site-of-lesion testing, analysing and interpreting test results, determining appropriate intervention strategies, making appropriate referral, compiling accurate assessment reports & the writing of referal reports.

Practicals: Student observation and clinical testing at university and hospital clinics.

Assessment: 2 Clinical evaluations 60%, clinical reports 10%, case presentations 5%,1 written clinical test 15%, observation reports 5%. Labwork 5%.100% continuous assessment

DP Requirement: Attendance at all scheduled contact periods in clinical modules except where the student has been specifically excused from a particular session by the Head of School or his or her authorised representative.

Aim: The aim of the this module is to facilitate an understanding of the procedures utilized in screening hearing in selected populations,.the purpose of which is to enhance the Speech-Language Pathologist’s management of their clients, and to expedite referrals to the audiologist for further diagnostic hearing assessments.

Content:  Auditory development, audiological manifestations in different disorders/syndromes, principles of screening, behavioural screening test procedures, hearing screening guidelines, decision making with regard to choice of behavioural tests and the criteria for interpretation, instrumentation used and record keeping.

Assessment: Assessments shall contribute 60% of the final mark. Assessments shall comprise 1 test and one assignment to make up 100% The examination mark will contribute 40% to the final mark. The Examination is one 2- hour written examination The exam will comprise of short questions. A sub minimum mark of 40% for the examination. Calculation formula of CAM: – The tests will be weighted 60% and the assignment 40%, as contribution to the 100% CAM. Calculation formula of exam mark: The examination mark will contribute 100% for the paper. Calculation formula of the final mark: The year mark shall contribute 60%, and the exam mark 40% toward the final mark.

DP Requirement: In order to gain entry to the exam, students must; Attend 100% of their practical sessions and a minimum of 75% of the lectures and obtain a CAM of ≥40%.

Corequisite: CPAU212

Aim: To develop clinical skills in the initial evaluation of hearing disorders using conventional audiometry

Content: Interviewing skills, test battery administration (Otoscopic evaluation; tuning fork tests pure tone air- and bone-conduction; speech audiometry; immitance test battery) masking principles, equipment calibration and maintenance, troubleshooting, interpretation of audiometric results, feedback, clinical communication skills, resource development, & the study of relevant cases.

Practicals: Clinic observation, hospital observation, Lab/paper cases.

Assessment: Clinical evaluation (x 2) 40%, Reports (x 2) 20%, observation reports 5%, case presentation 10%, lab/paper cases 10%, clinical test 15%. 100% continuous assessment.

DP Requirement: Attendance at all scheduled contact periods in clinical modules except where the student has been specifically excused from a particular session by the Head of School or his or her authorised representative.

Corequisite: CPAU311, 321, CPAU322

Aim: To facilitate an understanding of the communicative needs of the hearing impaired and deaf population, to select, evaluate and monitor the use of rehabilitative technology.

Content: Basic components of amplification devices, electro-acoustic characteristics, modification of amplification devices and the coupling system, psychoacoustics and rehabilitation technology, amplification device sound measurement, selection and evaluation methodologies, special applications, assistive technology, orientation and counselling, amplification devices in South Africa, cochlear implants, recent advances in amplification devices, & research trends.

Practicals: Orientation to hearing aids, associated technology and equipment used in the evaluation of candidates for hearing instruments and assistive devices.

Assessment: 2 tests, 1assignment (60%), and one 2-hour exam (40%). A subminimum mark of 40% is required for the examination.

DP Requirement: In order to gain entry to the exam, students must; Attend 100% of their practical sessions and a minimum of 75% of the lectures and obtain a CAM of ≥40%

Aim: To provide learning opportunities to facilitate a theoretical understanding of the nature and management of auditory processing disorders in children.

Content: Perspectives on auditory processing, neuroanatomy and physiology of the central auditory system, auditory processing of speech, definition of auditory processing and auditory processing disorders, auditory processing & attention deficit, auditory processing and speech-language disorders, assessment and management of auditory processing disorders

Practicals: Orientation to audiologist and speech-language therapists’ assessment tools for Central Auditory Processing Disorders.

Assessment: 1 test, 1 assignment, and one 1-hour examination. A subminimum mark of 40% is required for the examination.

DP Requirement: Students must attend a minimum of 75% of the lectures and obtain a CAM of ≥ 40%.

Corequisite: CPAU311

Aim: To provide learning opportunities to facilitate the understanding of assessment and management issues and methodologies pertaining to aural rehabilitation of the adult and older adult.

Content: Degeneration of the auditory system. Pathology : presbycusis and central auditory pathology, modification of conventional test battery, counselling, evaluation and benefit of amplification devices; group and individual management strategies; speech conservation.

Practicals: Exposure to and orientation to test procedures and intervention strategies.

Assessment: Test, assignment, portfolio/resource file (60%) and a one -hour written examination (40%). A subminimum mark of 40% is required for the examination.

DP Requirement: A minimum of 75% lecture attendance is required and compulsory attendance at practicals and obtain a CAM of ≥40%.

Corequisite: CPAU304, CPSL301

Aim: To provide learning opportunities to facilitate the understanding of assessment and management issues and methodologies pertaining to aural rehabilitation of the preschool and school aged hearing impaired child.

Content: The communication model, early intervention with young hearing impaired children, role and responsibility of parents, family – centred intervention, communication options, oralism, total communication, bilingualism-biculturalism, assessment and intervention of communication function pertaining to speech development, language development, sensory information (speech reading, audition) in hearing impaired children of all ages

Practicals: Visit to school for the deaf, practice and observation of procedures

Assessment: 2 tests and 1 assignment (60%), and a two-hour written examination (40%) constitute the final mark. A subminimum mark of 40% is required for the examination.

DP Requirement: 100% attendance at practicals and 75% lecture attendance and obtain a CAM of ≥40%.

Aim: To facilitate an understanding of sign language from a linguistic / socio-linguistic perspective, and establish an awareness of deafness as a cultural phenomenon.

Content: Nature of sign language, history of sign language, myths and misconceptions, acquisition of sign language, Structure of sign language, Deaf culture, human rights issues.

Practicals: Weekly sign language lessons offered by a Deaf tutor over 13 weeks

Assessment: 1theory test, 1theory assignment, 1 practical test- (60%), and a 1-hour written examination (40%)

DP Requirement: 100% attendance at practicals and 75% attendance at lectures and obtain a CAM of ≥40%.

Corequisite: CPAU301

Aim: To provide clinical learning opportunities and supervision to develop clinical skills/competencies in the assessment and management of the paediatric and difficult-to-test population

Content: Case history taking, modification of conventional test battery including PCA, VRA, TROCA, BOA, and WIPI; categories of difficult-to-test clientele, speech audiometry, modification of masking techniques, test interpretation, test methodologies and equipment, objective and subjective measures for paediatric and difficult-to-test clients, reliability and validity issues, early identification and screening, recording of test results, evaluation of procedures, report writing, special tests for functional hearing loss, & early identification of hearing loss.

Practicals: Exposure to test equipment and a variety of clients in the paediatric clients

Assessment: 100% continuous assessment, clinical evaluation (x 3) 60% , reports (x 3) 20%, clinical test (x 10) 15%, case presentation (x1) 5%.

DP Requirement: 100% attendance of all scheduled contact periods except where the student has been specifically excused from a particular session by the Head of School or his or her authorized representative, and Submission of a resource file for paediatric hearing assessments

Aim: To develop clinical competencies in the selection, evaluating, and monitoring of rehabilitation technology, especially hearing aids, and counselling for the hearing impaired population.

Content: Electro-acoustics and hearing aids, assistive devices, technological advances earmould impression taking and modification, case interview and needs analysis; hearing instrument selection and evaluation methodologies, counselling and orientation, procurement options of instruments, ethical issues, special applications of amplification, clinical research in the S. A. context, report writing and administration

Practicals: Orientation to hearing aids, associated technology and equipment used in the evaluation of candidates for hearing instruments and assistive devices.

Assessment: Continuous assessment =1 X Oral clinical practical test (30%), 1 X clinical case presentation (5%), 2 x clinical evaluation (50%) (1 group 15% and 1 individual 35%), 1 X written clinic test (10%), Report writing (5%)

DP Requirement: 100% attendance of all scheduled contact periods except where the student has been specifically excused from a particular session by the Head of School or his or her authorised representative.

Aim: to provide learning opportunities for students in order to define, describe and explain the concepts and theories that underlie auditory evoked potential testing, and advanced objective testing procedures based on electrophysiological principles.

Content: Anatomical and physiological background, acoustic signal generation and selection, computer averaging, instrumentation, auditory evoked potentials (electro-cochleography, auditory brainstem testing, event-related 40Hz technique, middle latency response, ASSR) description of test procedures, test parameters, description of response patterns for normal and pathological cases, clinical applications, evaluation of test, research trends.

Practicals: Exposure and ‘hands on’ training in and orientation to test equipment and test procedures.

Assessment: Tests and assignments (60%) and Final Exams (40%) constitute the final mark. A subminimum mark of 40% is required for the examination.

DP Requirement: 100% attendance at practicals and 75% coursework lectures and obtain a CAM of ≥40%.

Aim: To provide learning opportunities to facilitate the understanding of noise, its measurement, effects and control.

Content: Parameters of noise, instrumentation and measurement of noise, effects of noise exposure, and susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss, damage risk criteria, and diagnosis of noise induced hearing loss and differential diagnosis, principles and implementation of a comprehensive industrial hearing conservation program, legislation relating to noise control and issues related to compensation.

Practicals: Practical orientation to policy, equipment, and hearing conservation standards. Practical exposure to occupational noise measurements and the planning and implementation of conservation strategies.

Assessment: Marks are equally weighted =1 test and 1 assignment (60%), and one 1 hour exam (40%). A subminimum mark of 40% is required for the examination.

DP Requirement: In order to gain entry to the exam, students must; attend 100% of their practical sessions and a minimum of 75% of the lectures and obtain a CAM of ≥40%.

Aim: To provide learning opportunities to develop clinical competencies necessary for the management of the hearing impaired child and adult.

Content: Communication assessment (formal and informal procedures), speech-language intervention as it pertains to hearing impairment and the consideration of communication/educational options available, family-centred intervention, early intervention, management of pre-school and the school aged child, adult and older adult.

Assessment: Clinical evaluations, 2 X tests, 1 X case presentation, 1 X group project, and clinical reports- 75% of year mark, final oral examination – 25% of final mark. A subminimum of mark of 45% is required for the oral exam.

DP Requirement: 100% attendance at all scheduled sessions. Submission of a clinical portfolio

Corequisite: CPAU441.

Aim: To provide students with opportunities to learn and to conduct specific auditory electrophysiological tests or measures. In so doing, appropriate skills/competencies will be developed. These relate to the selection of appropriate tests, their administration, recording, and interpretation and making decisions/recommendations regarding subsequent management of clients/patients.

Content: Familiarity with and use of auditory and vestibular evoked potential test systems; calibration requirements; identification of patients that require auditory evoked potential and or vestibular assessments; symptomatology with; associated pathological conditions; the case history interview; selection and administration of appropriate electrophysiological tests; data analysis and interpretation; reporting results; management and referral practice; limitations of auditory and vestibular evoked potential tests and testing

Practicals: Exposure to and ‘hands on’ clinical training on test equipment and test materials and practice in using test protocols

Assessment: Continuous over the clinic year. (75%) Plus 1 Clinical Oral Exam (25%). A minimum of 45% CAM/year mark is required to permit the student to sit the final clinical exam. A subminimum of mark of 45% is required for the oral exam. There are no supplementary examinations for this final year clinical module

DP Requirement: 100% attendance at practicals and Fieldwork. Submission of clinical portfolio

Aim: To develop an understanding of recent advances in the areas of assessment, management, and research in the discipline of Audiology. This module is seen as an exciting challenge to the senior student in the Audiology programme. It addresses areas not extensively probed and addressed in the programme. It encourages critical appraisal of new approaches, and systems in the practice of Audiology. Discussions that ensue in the presentations are in keeping with the specialist qualification of Audiology.

Content: Recent advances & special topics in assessment, treatment/management and research in Audiology.

Assessment: For individual presentations, the student will be allocated 70% for the written presentation, and 30% for the oral presentation; the latter includes participation and discussion. 1X1 hour examinations shall contribute to 40% of the final mark. A subminimum mark of 40% is required for the examination.

DP Requirement: 100% attendance at all scheduled seminar sessions.

Aim: To familiarize students with basic research principles and methods so as to conduct research in the disciplines of Audiology.

Content: Identification of research needs, protocol development, practical aspects of research methodology, literature surveys, methods of data analysis, interpretation and discussion, report writing, editorial care and presentation skills.

Assessment: Evaluation of a written research report. Final mark determined by the average of the internal and external mark.

DP Requirement: As per College rules.

Aim: To develop competencies necessary to plan and implement an Industrial Hearing Conservation Programme in a selected industrial setting.

Content: Noise, types of noise, noise measurement instrumentation, noise survey, legal aspects and legislation. Industrial conservation programme management. Selection, fitting and evaluation of hearing protection devices.

Assessment: Clinical assignment (15%), clinical practice and oral review (60%) – constitutes 75% of year mark, oral examination –25%. A subminimum of mark of 45% is required for the oral exam.

DP Requirement: 100% attendance at all scheduled sessions. Submission of a clinical portfolio.

Aim: To facilitate development of competencies in preparation for independent practice in audiology.

Content: Case interviews, test modification, management of children and difficult-to-test, advanced electrophysiological testing, advanced rehabilitation technology, promotion and prevention of hearing disorders, aural rehabilitation of the adult and child, programme management, resource development, central auditory function test, clinical research- identification of need, management of hearing loss in adulthood, counselling ,training parents, teachers, and co-workers, interdisciplinary management of hearing & hearing related disorders.

Assessment: 100% Continuous assessment = 2 x clinical evaluation, 2 x clinical tests, 1 x case presentation, 1 x group presentation (75%), oral examination (25%). A subminimum of mark of 45% is required for the oral exam.

DP Requirement: 100% attendance at all scheduled sessions. Submission of a clinical portfolio

Content: Community access; the facilitation and running of support groups for children with severe disability, involving caregiver, child and CHW; Issues related to learning disability and disadvantage in relation to school readiness; Policy around disability; advocacy.

Practicals: 23 weeks engagement at community level; 1 week orientation;1week case presentation;1 week handover presentation.

Assessment: Formative Assessment: 2 x oral presentations for a group mark which will include a case presentation in the first semester and a handover presentation in the second semester Individual clinical mark. This will be determined by continuous assessment of individual clinical practice with clients and team work with groups. Individual assessment of reflective journal Examination Guidelines: Summative Assessment: 1 oral exam which will include an external examiner. Calculation of marks Case presentation (group mark) 15% Handover presentation (group mark) 25% Individual clinical mark 50% Journal 5% Peer evaluation 5% Calculation formula of the final mark: CAM weighted 75% and oral exam weighted 25% A subminimum of mark of 45% is required for the oral exam.

DP Requirement: 75% attendance required; total year mark includes groups and individual assessment as described above. submission of a clinical portfolio.

There is no supplementary examination for this module.

Aim: To provide learning opportunities to extend the application of electrophysiological testing principles to cortical response audiometry and the assessment of the vestibular system.

Content: Cortical evoked response measures-late and very late response: Vestibular assessment and rehabilitation include case history, interdisciplinary assessment, principles underlying ENG examination, test procedures for central and peripheral test batteries, test parameters, normal and pathological response patterns, clinical application, test evaluation, research needs

Practicals: Exposure to and orientation to test equipment and test procedures. ‘Hand on’ clinical training in these areas.

Assessment: Tests and assignments (60%) and a 1.5 hour final exam. (40%). A subminimum mark of 40% is required for the examination.

DP Requirement: Attendance at 75% of the lectures, 100% at the tutorials and obtain a CAM of ≥40% will be considered in the final granting of a DP.