At the end of the course, students should be able to interpret the main audiometric tests, understand how they are performed, and correlate the results with the main neuro-otological diseases.

Knowledge of the basic anatomy and physiology of the external, middle, and inner ear, as well as fundamental concepts of neurophysiology.

The lectures explore the main audiometric tests, including their indications, methods of performance, and interpretation, also in the pediatric setting.
They also cover the main clinical presentations of hearing loss with audiometric correlation and the principal options for hearing rehabilitation.

“Audiologia pratica” by Walter Livi and Chiara Mezzedimi. Publisher: Helicon.

INTRODUCTION: Basic concepts of ear anatomy and physiology. Main audiometric tests: indications, instrumentation, and initial approach to audiogram interpretation.
AUDIOMETRIC TESTS: Pure-tone and speech audiometry, immittance testing, ABR, and suprathreshold tests.
PEDIATRIC AUDIOMETRY: Importance of assessing hearing thresholds in children. Audiological screening and behavioral audiometry.
CLINICAL ASPECTS AND HEARING REHABILITATION: Main clinical conditions and corresponding audiometric patterns. Overview of hearing rehabilitation: hearing aids, BAHA, and cochlear implants.
PRACTICAL SESSIONS: Tuning fork tests and discussion of audiometric tracings with clinical correlation.

Teaching is delivered through slides, with extensive use of audiometric tracings that are consistently commented on and correlated with clinical cases. Active participation and interactivity are essential, and each lesson includes a practical component.

This year’s lectures take into account the improvements suggested by students last year.

Oral examination: commentary on an audiometric tracing with correlation to the clinical picture and proposal of a possible hearing rehabilitation pathway. This is followed by a question on audiological screening and discussion of a clinical case.

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