Hearing Science

Program Overview

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It covers the structure and function of the auditory system, psychoacoustics, and auditory system pathology. The program is self-paced and asynchronous, with no mandatory meeting times. It prepares individuals for further studies and careers in audiology, speech-language pathology, and other hearing-related fields.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

This online undergraduate course explores the scientific principles of hearing, focusing on the basic structure and function of the peripheral and central auditory system, psychoacoustics, and auditory system pathology. It offers a foundation in clinical problem-solving related to hearing.

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Objectives:

• Understand the physical properties and measurement of sound.
• Understand the structure and function of the outer, middle, and inner ear.
• Understand the structure and function of the central auditory nervous system.
• Explain how loudness and intensity are coded by the auditory system.
• Describe frequency selectivity and pitch perception.
• Explain temporal aspects of hearing.
• Understand spatial and binaural hearing.
• Differentiate between conductive, sensorineural, and central auditory nervous system hearing loss.

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Outline:

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Structure:

• Asynchronous online format with no mandatory meeting times.
• Organized into weekly modules.
• Flexible schedule allowing learners to adapt to their own pace.

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Content:

• Module 1: Introduction to Hearing
• Physical properties of sounds
• Measurement of sound (intensity, frequency, duration)
• Signal processing
• Module 2: Anatomy and Physiology of the Auditory System
• Outer ear structure and function
• Middle ear structure and function
• Inner ear structure and function
• Central auditory nervous system structure and function
• Module 3: Psychoacoustics
• Loudness and intensity coding
• Frequency selectivity and pitch perception
• Temporal aspects of hearing
• Spatial or binaural hearing
• Module 4: Hearing Loss
• Conductive hearing loss
• Sensorineural hearing loss
• Central auditory nervous system hearing loss

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Course Schedule:

• Activities are planned per week, with approximately 10-14 hours of total time commitment expected.
• Self-directed learning includes reading texts, articles, watching lectures and videos, and listening to podcasts (3-4 hours).
• Self-assessments include mini-quizzes and weekly modules (2-3 hours).
• Assignments include mastery assignments, case studies, and practice application (2-3 hours).
• Discussion boards require initial posting, reading other posts, and responding (3-4 hours).

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Teaching Methods:

• Self-directed learning through online materials.
• Mini-lectures and video resources.
• Case studies and practice applications.
• Interactive discussion boards.
• Asynchronous communication with faculty.

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Assessment:

• Mini quizzes
• Weekly modules
• Mastery assignments
• Case studies
• Practice applications
• Discussion board participation

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Criteria:

• Demonstrated understanding of course material through assignments and discussions.
• Active participation in online discussions.
• Completion of all assigned readings and activities.

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Careers:

Completion of this course prepares individuals for further studies and careers in audiology, speech-language pathology, and other hearing-related fields.

• Audiologist
• Speech-Language Pathologist
• Hearing Instrument Specialist
• Researcher in Hearing Science

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Other:

• Cost: $1,620.00 (Fees included)
• Credits: 3 undergraduate credits
• Prerequisites: None
• Materials: Required textbooks, online learning applications, and standard word processing software.
• Faculty: Bryan M. Wong, AuD, CCC-A

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Summary

The Hearing Science course at MGH Institute of Health Professions offers a comprehensive online program in the science of hearing. Through self-paced learning modules, assessments, and discussions, the course equips individuals with foundational knowledge in auditory anatomy, physiology, and pathology.