Physiology and Psychology of Hearing | AUDI6009

Module overview

The sense of hearing is essential for human communication. In this module we investigate the extraordinary capabilities and limitations of the human sense of hearing. Starting with the outer, middle and inner ear, we will investigate the anatomical and physiological functions of the whole auditory pathway up to the primary auditory cortex. At each stage we will discuss potential problems that can lead to hearing loss. We will learn about the psychophysical abilities of normally hearing people and how these capabilities deteriorate in the hearing impaired. We will discuss how signal processing in hearing aids can overcome some, but not all of these limitations.

The module is essential for all students learning about audiology, hearing sciences and communication sciences. It is also suitable for engineering students with an interest in acoustics, effects of noise on people, audio or biomedical signal processing as well as for students seeking an understanding of sound perception and speech communication.

Aims and Objectives

Learning Outcomes

Disciplinary Specific Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

Demonstrate mastery of effective self-directed learning and scientific communication
Explain the structure and function of the principal components of the normal human auditory system
Explain the physiological basis as well as the perceptual consequences of hearing loss.
Explain the basic acoustical, engineering, biological and psychological principles related to hearing science.
Explain and critically appraise methods used to investigate auditory perception.
Critically appreciate scientific literature on hearing sciences.

Syllabus

To introduce basic acoustics required to understand the module.
To describe the anatomy and physiology of the outer, middle and inner ear
To understand the function of the outer, middle and inner ear based on established and emerging theory.

To understand how nonlinear feedback processes in the inner hear form the basis of normal perception

To explain the consequences of physiological dysfunction to features of hearing loss.
To introduce you to the domains that define the physical characteristics of sound (intensity, frequency, time, direction) and the corresponding perceptual domains (loudness, pitch, temporal characteristic, localisation/lateralisation).

To understand how hearing changes in aging individuals and the population.

To describe the psychophysical methods used to measure the various auditory capabilities including speech tests.
To describe the main theories related to detection and discrimination of sounds and develop an understanding of signal detection theory.

To understand the theory of auditory filters and how they form the basis of describing effects of hearing loss by temporal and frequency distortions

To describe the consequences of the most common forms of hearing disorder in terms of auditory capabilities and speech recognition performance to enable you to evaluate the consequences for individual cases.

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods

Weekly lectures and tutorials, and fortnightly mini-assignments which will form discussion during tutorials and on which you will receive feedback during tutorials.

Study time
Type	Hours
Lecture	24
Wider reading or practice	60
Tutorial	6
Completion of assessment task	50
Preparation for scheduled sessions	10
Total study time	150

Resources & Reading list

General Resources

References. A list of references will be supplied at the beginning of the module.

Assessment

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

Assignment

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Assignment	100%

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Assignment	100%

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Assignment	100%

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External