Hearing acoustics and audiological technology

The degree program is aimed at anyone who shares a fascination for hearing and the processing of audio signals. It provides the ideal prerequisites for developing and researching systems for processing audio signals, in particular hearing aids. Together, the University of Lübeck and the Lübeck University of Applied Sciences offer exciting modules in the fields of computer science, artificial intelligence (AI), medicine, psychology, signal processing, measurement technology and psychoacoustics. Thanks to the collaboration with the Lübeck University of Music, students can also specialize in acoustics and sound engineering.

After graduating, graduates have comprehensive knowledge of hearing science and hearing technology as well as the latest findings on auditory perception and signal processing. They understand the principles of auditory processing, the mathematical modeling of the hearing process and algorithmic methods of signal processing. They are also familiar with modern medical imaging technologies and can use modern hearing aids. With these skills, they can make a scientifically sound contribution to audiological care and promote the further development of hearing acoustics and audiological technology.

The teaching focus "Hearing Acoustics and Audiological Technology" includes all specific courses that make up the profile of the degree program. The module "Research Methods in the Behavioral and Neurosciences" covers various aspects of scientific work. This includes statistical methods for evaluation and modeling as well as the critical processing and presentation of scientific work. The module includes the individual modules Imaging and Biosignal Analysis (seminar) + Statistics 2.

The module "Auditory Cognition" deals with all neurological, sensory-physiological and perceptual-psychological aspects of hearing. Hearing and speech comprehension are understood as neural processes. The "Audiological diagnostics and technology" module contains many elements from clinical practice and deals with the various audiological measurement methods used in diagnostics as well as current hearing technologies. The module includes the individual modules Audiological Diagnostics and Hearing Aid Technology.

The module "Advanced Signal Processing", which consists of the courses "Speech and Audio Signal Processing" and "Selected Methods of Signal Analysis and Improvement", covers the technical aspects that are important for the degree course and forms the link to current developments in adaptive (learning) systems.
The "Audiology " module covers important mechanisms of the hearing system for speech comprehension, music perception, directional hearing and hearing in noise.

The third semester is reserved for the modules "Practical Project in Hearing Acoustics and Audiological Technology 1 and 2" and the "Student Conference" . They make up a significant part of the practical component of the course. In individual projects, methods from research and development as well as from the subjects offered in the first two semesters are implemented.

The two project internships can be combined into a larger project depending on the topic. The internships can be completed at institutions of the teaching universities as well as in hearing acoustics companies, clinics and other research institutions and can be combined with a stay abroad. The student conference offers students the opportunity to present current research topics and the results of their scientifically oriented project internships as part of an English-language scientific conference.

The teaching focus "compulsory modules dependent on prior knowledge" aims to bring Bachelor's graduates from "different backgrounds" to a uniform level of knowledge. Graduates from a medical technology degree course are required to take part in the courses "Audiological measurement methods, systems and fitting" and "Psychoacoustics". As the HAT Master's program builds on the strong technical profile of Medical Engineering, graduates of the Bachelor's degree program in Hearing Acoustics take the course "Medical Data Science". This includes the basics of pattern recognition and the application of this to time series such as audio signals. One focus is the development of modern neural networks for various problems.

In the "Compulsory elective subject area" specialization, the module "Spatial Audio Rendering and Virtual Acoustics", for example, deepens content from digital signal processing specifically for the exact design of acoustic experiments and "Implantable Hearing Devices" covers practical aspects of implanting and adjusting cochlear implants. The teaching focus "Interdisciplinary elective area" offers further non-degree-specific courses from the range of courses offered at the University of Lübeck.