Electrophysiological Assessment B

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010:

Electrophysiological Assessment A, Clinical Audiology A, Paediatric Audiology A, Acoustics, Anatomy and Physiology, Pathologies of the Auditory System.

This subject builds on the knowledge obtained in the Electrophysiological Assessment A subject. Students will have the opportunity to examine the principles and practices associated with advanced auditory evoked potential and vestibular assessment.

This subject is designed to develop a theoretical knowledge of electrophysiologic measurement in clinical audiology and neuro-otology, and in conjunction with the Clinical Audiology course, be able to perform and interpret the full range of electrophysiologic assessments. This subject comprises the following topics:

• auditory evoked potentials (middle latency response, cortical responses, event related potentials, brain mapping or topographic analysis of evoked potentials);
• use of electrical stimuli for AEPs;
• clinical uses of AEPs including assessment of hearing loss;
• central auditory processing deficits and correlation with psychoacoustic assessment methods; and
• electrophysiologic measures of balance function.

At the completion of this subject students should be able to:

• demonstrate analytical skills by incorporating the theoretical principles of clinical decision making;
• analyse and interpret results from both peripheral and central auditory evoked potential assessments;
• analyse and interpret results from a range of vestibular function tests;
• comprehend advanced concepts in the measurement of auditory evoked potentials;
• comprehend electrophysiological measures of balance function;
• understand the limitations of these techniques;
• appreciate the relevant areas for future research;
• apply tests relevant to best patient management;
• use this information in terms of problem-solving and information seeking;
• apply analytical and integration skills.

• Two written assignments of no more than 750 words each:
  Assignment A to be completed between weeks 7 and 10 - 20%
  Assignment B to be completed between weeks 12 and 15 - 20%

• A one hour written exam at the end of semester - 60%

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completion of this subject students should be able to demonstrate:

• the capacity for information seeking, retrieval and evaluation;
• critical thinking and analytical skills;
• an openness to new ideas;
• planning and time management skills;
• the ability to communicate knowledge through classroom discussions and written material.