Hearing Aid Science and Techniques
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
Deep acquisition of the knowledge of electronics underlying the functioning of the equipment used for prosthetic diagnostics and prosthesis application: components, circuitry, compression systems, construction materials of the prosthesis.
Expected learning outcomes
Deep knowledge of concepts related to the medical and technical functioning of the equipment used in the correction of hearing problems
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Prerequisites for admission
No prior knowledge is required
Assessment methods and Criteria
The final exam consists of a single written test. Specifically, the student is asked to answer three open questions. The questions have a predominantly theoretical content. The evaluation is expressed in thirtieths (for example 30/30 or 30 and praise / 30) and takes into account the exposure (logic of the paper) and merit (knowledge and content). The results will be communicated to the students, giving the possibility to the student to reject the vote, and to the secretariat. These results will be recorded as a result of an average of the marks obtained in each course that makes up the course.
Materials science and technology
Course syllabus
External ear anatomy and CUE
The pathology of the external ear
Allergies of the external ear
Taking the impression
Impression materials
The different types of snail
The construction of the footprint
The materials for the construction of the snail
The building materials of the hearing aid
The cochlear implant
BAHA
The Retrox
The Sinphony
The pathology of the external ear
Allergies of the external ear
Taking the impression
Impression materials
The different types of snail
The construction of the footprint
The materials for the construction of the snail
The building materials of the hearing aid
The cochlear implant
BAHA
The Retrox
The Sinphony
Teaching methods
Lectures. All the lectures are supported by PowerPoint presentations.
Teaching Resources
Teaching material is provided and no specific text is indicated.
Electric and electronic measurements
Course syllabus
Quantities and measure of quantities
International measurement system
Measurement concept
Pre and post electronics, reliability, calibration and calibration of the instruments that can be used in the daily activity of hearing care technician
International measurement system
Measurement concept
Pre and post electronics, reliability, calibration and calibration of the instruments that can be used in the daily activity of hearing care technician
Teaching methods
Lectures. All the lectures are supported by PowerPoint presentations.
Teaching Resources
Teaching material is provided and no specific text is indicated.
Audiology
Course syllabus
Elements of ear anatomy and of the central auditory pathways
- Plasticity of the central auditory pathways
- Acoustic physics review and physiology of the ear and of central audiovestibular pathways
- Pathologies of the external ear
- Pathologies of the middle ear
- Pathologies of the inner ear
- Pediatric audiology
- Deafness: predisposing factoris, diagnosis and therapy
- sudden sensorineural hearing loss
- Noise induced hearing loss
- Age-related hearing loss
- Neuroma of the acoustic nerve
- Cholesteatoma
- Otosclerosis
- Tinnitus
- Plasticity of the central auditory pathways
- Acoustic physics review and physiology of the ear and of central audiovestibular pathways
- Pathologies of the external ear
- Pathologies of the middle ear
- Pathologies of the inner ear
- Pediatric audiology
- Deafness: predisposing factoris, diagnosis and therapy
- sudden sensorineural hearing loss
- Noise induced hearing loss
- Age-related hearing loss
- Neuroma of the acoustic nerve
- Cholesteatoma
- Otosclerosis
- Tinnitus
Teaching methods
Lectures. All the lectures are supported by PowerPoint presentations.
Teaching Resources
· Libby, E. Smooth wideband hearing aid responses - The new frontier. Hearing Instruments, 1980, 30(10): 12-13,15,18,43.
· Denis Byrne, Sue Cotton. Journal of Speech and Hearing Research Vol.31 178-186 June 1988. Evaluation of the National Acoustic Laboratories' New Hearing Aid Selection Procedure
· "The Occlusion Effect and Ampclusion Effect": Sweetow R, Pirzanski C. Seminars in Hearing; 24(4), 333-343, 2003.
· "Fitting Strategies for Noise-Induced Hearing Loss": Sweetow R, Bingea B in Strategies for Selecting and Verifying Hearing Aid Fittings, 2nd edition, Ed. Valente, M. Chapter 6, pp 176-202, Thieme, Medical Publishers, New York, N.Y. 2002.
· "Hearing Aid Technology": Sweetow RW, Bingea B.: Current Opinions in Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery Vol. 8:426-430, 2000.
· "Using Microphone Technology to Improve Speech Recognition": Valente M, Sweetow R, May A: High Performance Hearing Solutions, Vol., 3, 10-13, 1999.
· Special Issue on Digital Signal Processing Hearing Aids. ed. Sweetow, R.W. The Hearing Journal, Vol. 51, No. 11, 35-42, 1998.
· "Selection Considerations for Digital Signal Processing Hearing Aids": The Hearing Journal, Vol. 51, No. 11, 35-42, 1998.
· "What You Need to Know about Hearing Aids" in The Consumer Handbook on Hearing Loss and Hearing Aids: A Bridge to Healing ed. Carman, R., Chapter 7, pp 111-129, Auricle Ink Publishers, Sedona, AZ, 1998.
· "Effects of Electroacoustic Parameters on Ampclusion in CIC Hearing Aids" Sweetow RW, Valla A: The Hearing Review, Vol. 4, No. 9, 8-22, 1997.
· "Analysis of Time/Cost and Satisfaction Factors for Programmable Versus Conventional Hearing Aids" Sweetow RW, Shelton CW.: The Hearing Journal, Vol. 49, No. 4, 51-57, 1996.
· "Application and Fitting Strategies for Programmable Hearing Aids" in Digital Hearing Aids, Ed. Sandlin, R., Chapter 9, p 171-203, Allyn and Bacon, 1993.
· "The Interfacing of Programmable Hearing Aids and Probe Microphone Measures": Sweetow RW, Mueller HG.: Audecibel, 40:3, (1991).
· "Temporal and Spread of Masking Effects from Extended Low Frequency Amplification": Journal of Auditory Research, Vol. 17, 161-170 (1977).
· R.W. Sweetow, for Hearing Instruments, 1987 - 1993: "Amplification Without Occlusion": Vol. 38, No. 6, (1987). "A Classic Precipitous High Frequency Hearing Loss": Vol. 39, No. 1, (1988).
· "Fitting Ears with Asymmetrical Discrimination Scores/Hearing Instruments Without Volume Controls": Vol. 40, No. 11, (1989).
· "The Role of Speech Testing in Hearing Instrument Selection": Vol. 40, No. 12, (1989). "Set Screw Volume Controls, Continued": Vol. 41, No. 1, (1990).
· "Feedback Control Considerations": Vol. 41, No. 12, (1990).
· "Binaural Fittings for Asymmetrical Losses": Vol 42, No. 3, (1991).
· "SPL Measurements for Hearing Instrument Fittings": Vol. 42, No. 4, (1991).
· "The Truth Behind Non-Occluding Earmolds": Vol. 42, No. 6, (1991).
· "Alternate Uses and Thoughts on Programmable Hearing Systems": Vol. 43, No. 3 (1992)
· "Some Questions and Answers Concerning the K-Amp Circuit: Vol. 43, No. 7 (1992).
· "Eight Common Myths About Hearing Aids": Vol. 44, No. 4 (1993).
· JERRY L. PUNCH. Matching commercial hearing aids to prescriptive gain and maximum output requirements. Journal of Speech and Hearing Disorders, Volume 52, 76-83, February 1987 Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis
· MOORE B. C. J.; ALCANTARA J. I. ; MARRIAGE J.; Comparison of three procedures for initial fitting of compression hearing aids. I. Experienced users, fitted bilaterally. Department of Experimental Pyschology, University of Cambridge, UNITED KINGDOM
· How proprietary fitting algorithms compare to each other and to some generic algorithms. Keidser G, Brew C, Peck A (CMU). The Hearing Journal March 2003, 28-38
· Relative loudness perception of low and high frequency speech bands, including the influence of bandwidth and input levels. Keidser G, Katsch R, Grant F, Dillon H. (2002). J Acoust Soc Am 111(2):669-671.
· The preferred number of channels (one, two, or four) in NAL-NL1 prescribed WDRC devices. Keidser G, Grant F. (2001). Ear and Hearing 22(6):516-527.
· Comparing Loudness Normalisation (IHAFF) with Speech Intelligibility Maximization (NAL-NL1) when implemented in a Two-channel Device. Keidser G, Grant F. (2001). Ear and Hearing 22(6): 501-515.
· Maximising effective audibility in hearing aid fitting. Teresa Ching et al. Ear & Hearing.
· Future directions in hearing aid selection and evaluation. Denis Byrne and Harvey Dillon, 2000. In Audiology: Treatment. Edited by M Valente, H Hosford-Dunn & R.J. Roeser, Thieme, New York.
· Fitting a wide dynamic range of speech into a narrow dynamic range of hearing. Harvey Dillon, 2000. In R.C. Seewald (Ed.) A sound foundation through early identification, Pp 65-76, Phonak: Stafa, Switzerland.
· An introduction to the NAL-NL1 prescription procedure for non-linear hearing aids. Harvey Dillon et al. Hoerakustik, Sept., 2000, 6-14.
· NAL-NL1: A new prescriptive fitting procedure for non-linear hearing aids. Harvey Dillon. Hearing J., 1999, 52(4), 10-16.
· Preferred Compression Threshold with 2:1 Wide Dynamic Range Compression in Everyday Environments. Harvey Dillon et al. Aust. J. Audiol. 1998. Vol. 20, 33-44.
· Kenneth W. Berger Hearing Aid Gain Usage by Children Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools Vol.20 149-152 April 1989.
· Berger, Kenneth W. Handbook of Clinical Audiology, 2nd Edition, edited by Jack Katz The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, Volume 67, Issue 2, February 1980, p.738
· A graphical method for calculating the speech intelligibility index and measuring hearing disability from audiograms. Kringlebotn M. Scandinavian Audiology, Volume 28, Number 3, 16 September 1999 , pp. 151-160(10) Taylor and Francis Ltd
· Journal of Speech and Hearing Research Vol.38 234-243 February 1995. © American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Accuracy of Speech Intelligibility Index Predictions for Noise-Masked Young Listeners With Normal Hearing and for Elderly Listeners With Hearing Impairment Sarah E. Hargus Sandra Gordon-Salant University of Maryland College Park
· Prediction of the Speech Intelligibility Index behind a Single Screen in an Open-plan Office C. Wang* and J. S. Bradley Institute for Research in Construction, National Research Council, Montreal Road, Ottawa, Canada
· The Speech Intelligibility Index: what is it and what's it good for? Hearing Journal, The, October, 2004 by Hornsby, Benjamin W.Y.
· A Speech Intelligibility Index-based approach to predict the speech reception threshold for sentences in fluctuating noise for normal-hearing listeners Koenraad S. Rhebergena) Department of Clinical and Experimental Audiology, Academic Medical Center, Room D2-223, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Niek J. Versfeldb) Department of Clinical and Experimental Audiology, Academic Medical Center, Room D2-330, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherland.
· L'audioprotesista, Clerici M., 2006, éDicola Editrice, Pescara.
· Audiologia protesica, U. Ambrosetti, F. di Berardino, L. Del Bo, Minerva Medica, Torino, 2014.
· Denis Byrne, Sue Cotton. Journal of Speech and Hearing Research Vol.31 178-186 June 1988. Evaluation of the National Acoustic Laboratories' New Hearing Aid Selection Procedure
· "The Occlusion Effect and Ampclusion Effect": Sweetow R, Pirzanski C. Seminars in Hearing; 24(4), 333-343, 2003.
· "Fitting Strategies for Noise-Induced Hearing Loss": Sweetow R, Bingea B in Strategies for Selecting and Verifying Hearing Aid Fittings, 2nd edition, Ed. Valente, M. Chapter 6, pp 176-202, Thieme, Medical Publishers, New York, N.Y. 2002.
· "Hearing Aid Technology": Sweetow RW, Bingea B.: Current Opinions in Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery Vol. 8:426-430, 2000.
· "Using Microphone Technology to Improve Speech Recognition": Valente M, Sweetow R, May A: High Performance Hearing Solutions, Vol., 3, 10-13, 1999.
· Special Issue on Digital Signal Processing Hearing Aids. ed. Sweetow, R.W. The Hearing Journal, Vol. 51, No. 11, 35-42, 1998.
· "Selection Considerations for Digital Signal Processing Hearing Aids": The Hearing Journal, Vol. 51, No. 11, 35-42, 1998.
· "What You Need to Know about Hearing Aids" in The Consumer Handbook on Hearing Loss and Hearing Aids: A Bridge to Healing ed. Carman, R., Chapter 7, pp 111-129, Auricle Ink Publishers, Sedona, AZ, 1998.
· "Effects of Electroacoustic Parameters on Ampclusion in CIC Hearing Aids" Sweetow RW, Valla A: The Hearing Review, Vol. 4, No. 9, 8-22, 1997.
· "Analysis of Time/Cost and Satisfaction Factors for Programmable Versus Conventional Hearing Aids" Sweetow RW, Shelton CW.: The Hearing Journal, Vol. 49, No. 4, 51-57, 1996.
· "Application and Fitting Strategies for Programmable Hearing Aids" in Digital Hearing Aids, Ed. Sandlin, R., Chapter 9, p 171-203, Allyn and Bacon, 1993.
· "The Interfacing of Programmable Hearing Aids and Probe Microphone Measures": Sweetow RW, Mueller HG.: Audecibel, 40:3, (1991).
· "Temporal and Spread of Masking Effects from Extended Low Frequency Amplification": Journal of Auditory Research, Vol. 17, 161-170 (1977).
· R.W. Sweetow, for Hearing Instruments, 1987 - 1993: "Amplification Without Occlusion": Vol. 38, No. 6, (1987). "A Classic Precipitous High Frequency Hearing Loss": Vol. 39, No. 1, (1988).
· "Fitting Ears with Asymmetrical Discrimination Scores/Hearing Instruments Without Volume Controls": Vol. 40, No. 11, (1989).
· "The Role of Speech Testing in Hearing Instrument Selection": Vol. 40, No. 12, (1989). "Set Screw Volume Controls, Continued": Vol. 41, No. 1, (1990).
· "Feedback Control Considerations": Vol. 41, No. 12, (1990).
· "Binaural Fittings for Asymmetrical Losses": Vol 42, No. 3, (1991).
· "SPL Measurements for Hearing Instrument Fittings": Vol. 42, No. 4, (1991).
· "The Truth Behind Non-Occluding Earmolds": Vol. 42, No. 6, (1991).
· "Alternate Uses and Thoughts on Programmable Hearing Systems": Vol. 43, No. 3 (1992)
· "Some Questions and Answers Concerning the K-Amp Circuit: Vol. 43, No. 7 (1992).
· "Eight Common Myths About Hearing Aids": Vol. 44, No. 4 (1993).
· JERRY L. PUNCH. Matching commercial hearing aids to prescriptive gain and maximum output requirements. Journal of Speech and Hearing Disorders, Volume 52, 76-83, February 1987 Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis
· MOORE B. C. J.; ALCANTARA J. I. ; MARRIAGE J.; Comparison of three procedures for initial fitting of compression hearing aids. I. Experienced users, fitted bilaterally. Department of Experimental Pyschology, University of Cambridge, UNITED KINGDOM
· How proprietary fitting algorithms compare to each other and to some generic algorithms. Keidser G, Brew C, Peck A (CMU). The Hearing Journal March 2003, 28-38
· Relative loudness perception of low and high frequency speech bands, including the influence of bandwidth and input levels. Keidser G, Katsch R, Grant F, Dillon H. (2002). J Acoust Soc Am 111(2):669-671.
· The preferred number of channels (one, two, or four) in NAL-NL1 prescribed WDRC devices. Keidser G, Grant F. (2001). Ear and Hearing 22(6):516-527.
· Comparing Loudness Normalisation (IHAFF) with Speech Intelligibility Maximization (NAL-NL1) when implemented in a Two-channel Device. Keidser G, Grant F. (2001). Ear and Hearing 22(6): 501-515.
· Maximising effective audibility in hearing aid fitting. Teresa Ching et al. Ear & Hearing.
· Future directions in hearing aid selection and evaluation. Denis Byrne and Harvey Dillon, 2000. In Audiology: Treatment. Edited by M Valente, H Hosford-Dunn & R.J. Roeser, Thieme, New York.
· Fitting a wide dynamic range of speech into a narrow dynamic range of hearing. Harvey Dillon, 2000. In R.C. Seewald (Ed.) A sound foundation through early identification, Pp 65-76, Phonak: Stafa, Switzerland.
· An introduction to the NAL-NL1 prescription procedure for non-linear hearing aids. Harvey Dillon et al. Hoerakustik, Sept., 2000, 6-14.
· NAL-NL1: A new prescriptive fitting procedure for non-linear hearing aids. Harvey Dillon. Hearing J., 1999, 52(4), 10-16.
· Preferred Compression Threshold with 2:1 Wide Dynamic Range Compression in Everyday Environments. Harvey Dillon et al. Aust. J. Audiol. 1998. Vol. 20, 33-44.
· Kenneth W. Berger Hearing Aid Gain Usage by Children Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools Vol.20 149-152 April 1989.
· Berger, Kenneth W. Handbook of Clinical Audiology, 2nd Edition, edited by Jack Katz The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, Volume 67, Issue 2, February 1980, p.738
· A graphical method for calculating the speech intelligibility index and measuring hearing disability from audiograms. Kringlebotn M. Scandinavian Audiology, Volume 28, Number 3, 16 September 1999 , pp. 151-160(10) Taylor and Francis Ltd
· Journal of Speech and Hearing Research Vol.38 234-243 February 1995. © American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Accuracy of Speech Intelligibility Index Predictions for Noise-Masked Young Listeners With Normal Hearing and for Elderly Listeners With Hearing Impairment Sarah E. Hargus Sandra Gordon-Salant University of Maryland College Park
· Prediction of the Speech Intelligibility Index behind a Single Screen in an Open-plan Office C. Wang* and J. S. Bradley Institute for Research in Construction, National Research Council, Montreal Road, Ottawa, Canada
· The Speech Intelligibility Index: what is it and what's it good for? Hearing Journal, The, October, 2004 by Hornsby, Benjamin W.Y.
· A Speech Intelligibility Index-based approach to predict the speech reception threshold for sentences in fluctuating noise for normal-hearing listeners Koenraad S. Rhebergena) Department of Clinical and Experimental Audiology, Academic Medical Center, Room D2-223, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Niek J. Versfeldb) Department of Clinical and Experimental Audiology, Academic Medical Center, Room D2-330, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherland.
· L'audioprotesista, Clerici M., 2006, éDicola Editrice, Pescara.
· Audiologia protesica, U. Ambrosetti, F. di Berardino, L. Del Bo, Minerva Medica, Torino, 2014.
Audiology
MED/32 - AUDIOLOGY - University credits: 1
Lessons: 10 hours
Professor:
Zanetti Diego
Electric and electronic measurements
ING-INF/07 - ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC MEASUREMENT - University credits: 2
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor:
Nava Giovanni
Materials science and technology
ING-IND/22 - MATERIALS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY - University credits: 4
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor:
Zanetti Diego
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