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