| CODE | CSD2001 | ||||||
| TITLE | Clinical Audiology | ||||||
| UM LEVEL | 02 - Years 2, 3 in Modular Undergraduate Course | ||||||
| EQF/MQF LEVEL | Not Applicable | ||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 4 | ||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Human Communication Sciences and Disorders | ||||||
| DESCRIPTION | This clinical placement study-unit is designed to provide an immersive, guided fieldwork experience. It serves to bridge foundational theory with clinical application, enabling students to translate their academic knowledge into real-world, patient-centered practice. Students will be actively involved in the comprehensive assessment and diagnosis of diverse patient populations, addressing both congenital and acquired hearing impairments. Given the hands-on nature of this practical component, the experience is structured around continuous practical supervision and dedicated clinical tutorials. This study-unit is designed to refine practical skills, foster sound clinical reasoning, and ensure the integration of evidence-based practice. Assessment is competency-based and conducted on-site within the clinical environment. This authentic assessment study-unit is designed to evaluate the students' ability to effectively synthesize and apply theoretical knowledge to novel clinical challenges, demonstrating their understanding of professional practice. Study-Unit Aims: - Facilitate the integration of foundational audiological theory with hands-on, patient-centered clinical practice; - Develop core competencies in the comprehensive assessment and differential diagnosis of congenital and acquired hearing impairments, including complex auditory pathologies; - Foster the development of essential professional skills, including sound clinical reasoning, empathic communication, and reflective practice; - Instill a holistic framework for patient care, enabling students to understand and appreciate the broad biopsychosocial impact of hearing and auditory disorders on an individual; - Provide a structured, mentored environment where students can safely apply, refine, and be assessed on their clinical skills under direct supervision; - Cultivate a strong sense of professional identity, ethics, and the importance of inter-professional collaboration in the management of patient care. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Relate theoretical knowledge to clinical audiological settings using appropriate terminology; - Demonstrate structured observation skills, active listening, and empathic skills; - Explain the impact that a difficulty in hearing leaves on an individual and their environment; - Describe the holistic nature of hearing impairment; - Perform collection and recording of relevant information related to assessment (case history taking) and data from other sources; - Identify relevant routes for further assessment, including referral to other professionals; - Relate learning of new material to past observations, experience, and knowledge; - Identify and Describe different types and degrees of hearing impairment; - Discuss ethical issues in connection with the management of a diagnostic clinic. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Administer and Interpret results of basic audiological tests; - Analyse the role of hearing acuity in the differential diagnosis of communication difficulties; - Employ techniques to manage clients’ behaviour while remaining rigorous and flexible; - Demonstrate interaction skills with children, adult clients, and carers according to their individual needs; - Operate effectively in a team with other student colleagues and other professionals; - Justify professional actions and outcomes (accountability); - Demonstrate effective communication skills with hearing-impaired individuals and their carers; - Employ skills in behavioural management; - Administer and Evaluate audiological assessments. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: View reading list |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Practicum and Tutorials | ||||||
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2026/7. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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