Auditory Processing and Related Disorders

This two-day masterclass provides an in-depth update on the current scientific understanding of auditory processing and related disorders (APD), language, cognition and their interaction.

Dates: 11 - 12 March 2025
Course Director: Professor Doris Bamiou

Overview

This two-day masterclass provides an in-depth update on the current scientific understanding of auditory processing disorders (APD), language, cognition and their interaction across the age spectrum.

You'll learn about:

the scientific principles of auditory neuroscience
current clinical diagnostic and management approaches for auditory processing disorders

This is a multidisciplinary course, taught by clinician researchers and auditory neuroscience academic researchers. .

Who this course is for:

Audiologists and audiology assistants
Hearing therapists
Audiology students
Teachers of the deaf
Speech and language therapists
General practitioners with a special interest in audiology
Audiovestibular doctors and other health professionals
Other health professionals with an interest in hearing and cognition

You should have some basic knowledge in audiology.

Topics

The course covers a wide range of topics including

the anatomy and physiology of the peripheral and central auditory pathways
the definition of auditory processing disorders (APD) and controversies
clinical presentations of APD in adults and children and the interplay of auditory processing, cognition and language
diagnostic considerations for APD including its differential diagnosis from auditory neuropathy spectrum disorders, developmental and/or cognitive disorders
current test batteries for assessment of different cohorts of patients with APD (e.g. the child with developmental disorders; dementia paitents)
mulitdisciplinary management of individuals with APD and with or without other hearing impairment, cognitive or developmental disorders in adults and children with APD
research tests in development
electrophysiological tests for auditory processing
using auditory devices and training programmes in the management of APD

Seminar style, interactive teaching is supplemented by:

Group exercises and class discussion
Case studies
Self-directed reading and pre-reading around current structure and practice in auditory processing disorder services

The course is led by Professor Doris Bamiou and Dr Peter Keating, with lectures and seminars from experienced academics and clinicians. All materials will be available via the dedicated course page on UCLExtend.

Course organisers

Professor Doris Bamiou, UCL Ear Institute

Learning Outcomes

Following this course, you will:

Be able to obtain a history of individuals suspected of APD
Be able to choose effective tests and other assessment strategies for individuals suspected of APD
Be able to consider differential diagnoses and recognise the need for multidisciplinary assessment
Be able to formulate a management approach for APD
Recognise current limitations and controversies in the field of APD