New high-tech dummy for DMU students

DMU’s Audiology lab has become one of the first in the country to purchase an £18,000 KEMAR dummy – a head and torso simulator used for measuring the performance of acoustic devices such as hearing aids and noise protectors, with the aim of allowing students to practise further. While the device itself has been used for auditory research for a number of years, the mannequin is fairly unique as it is one of a handful used for teaching purposes in the UK.

Jeff Davies, lecturer in BSC Healthcare Science Audiology and Foundation Degree (Fd) Audiology, said, “It will give students the opportunity to get hands-on experience straight away in fitting verifying the performance of hearing aids alongside fitting a probe tube that goes into the ear canal.“Without it you might need access to a given patient, which can be time consuming while waiting for ethical consent to be given.

“If the student has never done it before they don’t have to worry about hurting or harming anyone, they can boost their confidence and practical skills before undertaking their actual placements.”The development is just one of a range of future plans for the department to add to their facilities.

Source: DMU