IHS-Approved Categories Of Instruction
CATEGORY I - BASIC SCIENCE
Physics of Sound and Basic Acoustics
1. Propagation of sound
2. Physical characteristics of sound
3. Measurements of sound
4. Audiometric notation
Anatomy and Physiology of the Human Ear
1. Anatomy of the ear
2. Physiology of hearing
3. Theories of hearing
4. Causes and treatment of hearing impairment
5. Tinnitus
CATEGORY II - AUDIOMETRIC ASSESSMENT
Anatomical Inspection
1. Otoscopic inspection
2. Auricular inspection
3. Cerumen Management
Pure Tone Audiometry
1. Air conduction tests
2. Bone conduction tests
3. Masking procedures
Speech Audiometry
1. Word recognition tests
2. Threshold tests
3. Masking procedures
4. Measures of dynamic range
Special Tests
1. Retrocochlear tests
Sound Field Audiometry
1. Non-verbal tests
2. Speech threshold tests
3. Word recognition tests
4. Instrument selection & validation procedures
5. Special tests and procedures
Tympanometry
1. Basic theory and procedures
2. Advantages and limitations for instrument selection
CATEGORY III - AUDIOMETRIC INTERPRETATION
Audiogram Interpretations
1. Classification of hearing losses
2. Patterns and configurations of hearing loss
3. Dynamic range of hearing
Speech Test Interpretations
1. Threshold test results
2. Word recognition test results
3. Dynamic range implications
Referral Criteria
1. Red flags
2. Special auditory training
3. Other
CATEGORY IV - PATIENT INFORMATION AND HISTORY
Establishing Patient Rapport
1. Establishing patient empathy
2. Emotional and psychological considerations
3. Demonstrating professionalism
Eliciting Patient History
1. Recognizing pertinent information
2. Patient referral sources
CATEGORY V - HEARING INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY
History and development of Hearing Instruments
1. Pre-electronic systems
2. Early electronic systems
3. Modern systems
Hearing Instrument Basic Electronics
1. General circuit principles
2. Transducers
3. Fitting Software
4. Connectivity
Surgically Implanted Hearing Devices
1. Cochlear Implant
2. Osseo-integrated devices
3. Middle ear implants
4. Brainstem implant
Electroacoustic Specifications
1. ISO Standards
2. ANSI Standards
3. Other standards
Hearing Instrument Analysis
1. Biological checks and procedures
2. Basic and advanced electroacoustic analyzers
Troubleshooting and Repairs
1. Cleaning
2. Battery checks
3. Non-functioning
4. Intermittent function
5. Noisy
6. Feedback
7. Internal/External controls
External Ear Canal Acoustics
1. Implications of cavity size to acoustic coupler
2. Measuring the acoustic cavity
Earmolds and Custom Shells
1. External ear anatomy and earmold considerations
2. Specifying earmold characteristics (tubing diameter; venting; canal length; materials)
3. In-office earmold fabrication
Earmold and Custom Shell Modifications and Acoustic Effects (canal; bore; venting)
Earmold/Hearing Aid Acoustic Considerations
1. Filters and dampers
2. Tube fittings
Dispensing Office Lab
1. Equipment and supplies
2. Utilizing lab equipment
CATEGORY VI – EAR IMPRESSIONS
Anatomical Inspection
1. External ear considerations
2. Other physical parameters
Impression-Taking Techniques
1. Blocking the canal
2. Impression materials
3. Use of equipment and supplies
4. Impressions of the ear
5. Judging impression results
Preparing the Impression
1. Proper packing and shipping
2. Scanning and transmitting
3. Communicating with the lab
In-Office Acoustic Coupler Fabrication
1. Equipment and materials
2. Techniques in fabrication
CATEGORY VII - SELECTING AMPLIFICATION SYSTEMS
Parameters of Amplification Selection
1. Electroacoustic considerations
2. Acoustic coupler considerations
3. Modification procedures
4. Anatomical considerations
5. Procedure for hearing aid demonstration (the “Demo”)
Physical Considerations
1. Styles of instruments
2. Styles of acoustic couplers
Communicating with the Manufacturer
1. Instrument specifications
2. Special order systems
3. Custom ITE systems
Preparing the Instrument for Fitting
1. Pre-fitting checks and adjustments
2. Electroacoustic analysis
Assistive Devices
1. Looping
2. Wireless
3. FM systems
4. Alerting systems
CATEGORY VIII - INSTRUMENT FITTING TECHNIQUES
Physical Fitting
1. Communicating with the patient
2. Techniques in fitting
3. Instructing the patient
4. Adjustments and modifications
Initial Counseling
1. Limitations, need for adjustments and follow-up
2. Care and use of the amplification system
3. Use of special or additional amplification devices
4. Family member counseling
Determining Efficacy of the Amplification System
1. Real-Ear Measurements/Verification
2. Speech Mapping
3. Soundfield Testing
4. Validation
5. Other Criteria
CATEGORY IX - PATIENT FOLLOW-UP CARE
Post Fitting Visits
1. Soundfield efficacy testing
2. Reinforcement counseling
3. Adjustments and modifications
Amplification System Maintenance
1. Cleaning, checking and testing the instrument
2. Maintenance of the acoustic coupler and accessories
Handling System Malfunctions
1. Recognizing and isolating problems
2. In-office repairs
3. Factory and/or lab repairs
4. Use of loaner instruments
Periodic Re-Evaluations
1. Periodic otoscopic inspections
2. Periodic audiometric re-testing
3. Referral considerations
CATEGORY X - MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS IN INSTRUMENT DISPENSING
Audiometric Equipment
1. Biological checks
2. Periodic calibrations
Office Management
1. Patient files and records
2. Business records and files
3. Complying with laws and rules
Parts and Accessories
1. Inventory procedures
Infection Control
1. Personal Hygiene
2. Equipment and supplies
Licensing and Continuing Education
1. State of the art and the practitioner
2. Licensure and certification requirements
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Legislative Affairs
Marketing and Sales
1. Motivational
2. Direct mail
3. Financial Planning and Responsibilities
4. Advertising media
5. Professional referral sources
6. Patients as referral sources
Service Delivery
1. Telepractice
2. Other