The third edition of Lass and Donai’s Hearing Science Fundamentals is a comprehensive, teaching-focused textbook spanning 17 chapters organised into four major sections. These sections guide the reader through a logical progression from basic acoustics, through the structure and function of the auditory system and psychoacoustics, and finally to the pathologies of the auditory system. Each chapter opens with a dedicated key terms table, which can be cross-referenced with the glossary at the end of the book, supporting independent study and revision.
The textbook contains a range of pedagogically strong features that are particularly valuable for higher-education teaching. Each chapter begins with clear learning objectives, providing a structured framework for engagement with the content. Within chapters, ‘vocabulary checkpoints’ offer concise explanations of potentially unfamiliar or specialised terminology, supporting comprehension and reinforcing discipline-specific language. The inclusion of ‘clinical notes’ is especially effective, as these explicitly link theoretical concepts to clinical application.
For educators, the discussion topics presented at the end of each chapter are well suited for use in seminars and tutorials. As with other Plural Publishing texts, the printed book is supported by an extensive suite of online resources for students and instructors, clearly signposted throughout, which further enhance the text’s suitability for integration into a taught curriculum.
The language is accessible for students in higher education and is supported by the structured use of key terms, glossaries and terminology checkpoints. When the accompanying online resources are fully utilised, the textbook represents excellent value for money and would be an effective resource for the design and delivery of audiology and hearing science courses.
Readers should be aware that the text references American standards and professional bodies; consequently, users will need to cross-check regulatory and professional details with relevant local sources.
