Design of a Simulation Tool for Audiology Education to provide Hearing Screening Training

Abstract

Early identification of hearing impairment and ear disorders is important, which is why hearing screening is routinely done on newborns, with regular screening recommended on children through the age of 18. Screening is also completed with adults to assess and treat hearing problems. Procedural training is needed for new Speech-Language Pathologists and nursing students as well as continuing education for those trained to perform this procedure. An audiology simulator was developed to provide an alternative to traditional face-to-face lab instruction. Using a design science approach, the development of the simulation prototype is discussed. Contributions include a useful framework for developing such a simulation of an existing process, a description of a unique artifact that supports an individualized, self-paced learning environment using context-sensitive feedback and performance assessment, and an extensible approach to supporting virtual subjects in audiological training.