PG Diploma in Neuroaudiology

Affiliated to University of Mysore

Proposed Regulations and Syllabus

(2010-11)

Department of Audiology

All India Institute of Speech and Hearing

Manasagangothri

Mysore 570 006

Title of the course: Post Graduate Diploma in Neuroaudiology (PGDNA)

Preamble:

The sense of hearing plays a crucial role in enabling individuals to effectively carry out their day-to-day activities. The process of hearing starts even before the birth of a child due to the relatively early development of the auditory system as compared to other sensory faculties. The auditory system is considered as one of the complex systems which steadily changes with nature and quantum of input it receives from the time the child is born. It is capable of performing very complex functions such as processing any type of sound (simple / complex tones, speech, noise, music, etc.), to the highest level of perception; separate out background ‘noise’ from ‘signal’; integrating a signal from the two ears to facilitate perception (binaural fusion / separation); facilitating perception inspite of incomplete / insufficient information, perception of not so well defined aspects of sound such as ‘timber’ of voice / sound etc. The human auditory system has the capabilities of processing very fine discrimination of loudness, pitch and timing. This is possible because of the complex and highly organized anatomy and physiology of the auditory system. This is evident from the peripheral parts of the external, middle and inner ear, right up to the complex neural pathway covering the auditory cortex and its associated areas which spreads across the whole of cortex.

Alot of research has been done in understanding the auditory system, not only for the benefit of knowledge but also to help those who have problems in hearing. However, there is a great scope for further research to understand issues relatedto the perception of speech and music, their developmental aspects, the influence of multi-lingual / multi-cultural issues, and the plasticity or lack of it in the auditory system. It is obvious that such work is possible with the involvement of an interdisciplinary team of researchers and clinicians.

Neuroaudiology is the specialized branch of Audiology that deals with the structure, function and disorders of auditory neural pathway and the allied neural network. The scope of this specialty is multidisciplinary. On the clinical side, the knowledge in this area can be utilized to identify space occupying lesions as well as diffuse lesions of the auditory and the closely associated neural pathways. Its research application includes studyingthe processing of auditory signals such as speech / music in persons who hear normally as well as a wide range of clinical population.It is also useful in evaluating the plasticity in the auditory neural system consequent to training. The implications of gathering such information is in developing aids and appliances to overcome hearing problems as well as designing intervention strategies to over come such problems. On the other hand, on the research front, it will enable us to understand the system deeply and may help in developing technology related to speech / music analysis / and synthesis which has wide applications in areas such as defense, entertainment, forensic sciences, etc.

The Post Graduation Diploma in Neuroaudiology (PGDNA)is proposed as one of the super specialty courses of AIISH. This is a self-financed credit-based course affiliated to the University of Mysore (after necessary approvals). The focus of the PGDNA is on imparting research and clinical skills regarding the auditory and vestibular system. The course also deals in brief about the neural networks that are intimately connected to auditory system, such as the cranial nerves, cerebellum, etc. The course is offered to the candidates who have a basic degree in the following areas: Speech Language Pathology and Audiology; medical degree; or a postgraduate degree in clinical / experimental / cognitive psychology. This course aims to provide knowledge and skills necessary for the assessment of auditory processing and identification of dysfunctions involving the auditory neural system and the vestibular system. The course also imparts knowledge and skills necessary to carry out research pertaining to the area.

Scope:

It is a specialized course open to a large number of candidates who have the eligible educational requirements. This includes those who are recruited in specialty hospitals dealing with neurological conditions; candidates who are eager to carryout research in the area of neuroaudiology and electrophysiology. After successfully completing the PG Diploma in Neuroaudiology, those working or desiring to work in neurological centers would be better equipped to screen as well as identify auditory problems that coexist with neurological conditions. This would be possible provided they are registered with the Rehabilitation Council of India or the Medical Council of India.

The PG Diploma would be a stepping stone for those with a quest to gain knowledge through research. The course would prepare them to carryoutresearch regarding the functioning of the normal and/or deviant auditory system.They could satisfy their quest while doing the course as well as on completion of the course.

The course will also pave the way for those desiring to enroll for other courses that involve rehabilitation of individuals with neuroaudiological conditions, provided they are eligible to do so.

Objectives:

  1. To provide specialized training focused on auditory neural processing, its dysfunctions and assessment to facilitate specialized clinical services in the area
  2. To promote interdisciplinary research activities in the area of neuroaudiology

ALL INDIA INSTITUTE OF SPEECH AND HEARING, MYSORE – 6

Post Graduate Diploma in Neuroaudiology (PGDNA)

Regulations:– 2010-11

  1. Course

The title of the course will bePost Graduate Diploma in Neuroaudiology.It is a self financed credit based course.

  1. Intake, Eligibility andMode of selection

Intake

The total intake shall be 10 seats. The reservations will be as per Govt. of India norms. The course shall not be conducted if there are less than 4 eligible candidates in a particular year.

Eligibility

  1. Admission to PG Diploma in Neuroaudiology is open to the candidates who have passed in any of the below mentionedexaminations of the University of Mysore or any other recognized University or institute with a minimum of 55% for general and 50% for SC/ST, in the following qualifying examination.

a)B. Sc. (Speech & Hearing) or equivalent from any other recognized

University

b)M. B. B. S.

c)Masters in Clinical Psychology/ ExperimentalPsychology/Cognitive Psychology with neuropsychology as a part of the course

  1. Those with the above qualification, working in the electrophysiological lab or sponsored/deputed from any hospital, medical college or institution would be given an additional weightage of 2%.

C. No upper age limit

Mode of selection

(a)The eligible applicants shall be short listed in order of merit which is decided based on the percentage of marks obtained in the qualifying examination (i.e., total marks obtained/total marks allotted x100).

(b)The admissions shall be in accordance with the merit-cum-reservation policy of the Government of India.

(c)Candidates who are short-listed based on the merit-cum-reservation will undergo an interview.

The selection made by a committee constituted by the Director of the instituteshall be final.

  1. Duration of the Course

For a candidate who maintains the normal pace in his/her studies, this will be a two term course of 10 months duration. The tentative calendar of events is given below which will commence on 1st of August every year:

  • I Semester: 1stAugust to 15thDecember
  • II Semester: 16thJanuary to 31stMay
  1. Fee structure

In the beginning of the course,a fee as prescribed by the (a) University of Mysore and (b) the institute conducting the course has to be paid.

  1. Attendance requirement, Progress and Conduct

The candidate has to put in a minimum of 75% of the attendance in every subject/paper. Condonation of attendance is as per regulations of University of Mysore.

The minimum attendance required for crediting is 75%. If the attendance in any subject is less than 75%, the candidate is said to have dropped that subject and the credits earned in that subject by the candidate becomes zero or in other words it becomes equivalent to the withdrawal of registration in that subject. However, he/she has to attend the whole semester in the next academic year.

  1. Implementation of credit pattern for PG Diploma in Neuroaudiology

A candidate has to earn 40credits to complete the PG Diploma in Neuroaudiology.

Normally, a candidate can complete the course in 10 months (in 2 semesters).He/sheis permitted to complete the course in a period of equal to or less than 4 semesters or as per the rules and regulations of the University of Mysore.

  1. Course structure and credit pattern

The structure of PGDNA course is given below:

Semester
No. / Paper
Code / Title of the Paper / Credit Pattern L:T:P / Credit Value / No. of Hours / Total Hours per Week
I / NA 1.1 / Anatomy and Physiology of the Auditory and Vestibular System / 2:0:2 / 4 / L=1x2=2
P=2x2=4 / 6
NA 1.2 / Overview of behavioural assessment of the auditory nervous system / 2:0:2 / 4 / L=1x2=2
P=2x2=4 / 6
NA 1.3 / Behavioural assessment of the auditory system – Observation / 0:0:5 / 5 / P=2x5=10 / 10
NA 1.4 / Evaluation of auditory processing - Observation / 0:0:5 / 5 / P=2x5=10 / 10
*NA 1.5 / Open Elective / 0:0:2 / 2 / P=2x2=4 / 4
Total no. of hours per week / 36
II / NA 2.1 / Physiological tests of the auditory nervous system / 3:0:2 / 5 / T=1x3=3
P=2x2=4 / 7
NA 2.2 / Disorders and Functional Correlates of the auditory and Vestibular systems / 3:0:2 / 5 / T=1x3=3
P=2x2=4 / 7
NA 2.3 / Physiological and Electrophysiological assessment of the auditory system - Observation / 0:0:5 / 5 / P=2x5=10 / 10
NA 2.4 / Project / 0:0:5 / 5 / 2x5=10 / 10
Total no. of hours per week / 34
Total no. of Credits / 40

L: Lecture, T: Tutorial, P: Practical

One credit = 1 hour of lecture / 2 hours of practical per week

* To be obtained from other discipline

Scheme of Examination / Evaluation

The teacher/s who offers a course paper shall wholly be responsible in evaluating a candidate in that paper. The evaluation of the candidate shall be based on continuous evaluation. The modalities approved by BOS would be used to evaluate the candidate.

The paper shall be evaluated for a maximum of 100 marks made-up of the following components:

Component 1: 1st assessment for units 1 & 2 - 25% (unit I) at 8th week

Component 2: 2nd assessment for units 3 & 4 - 25% (unit II) at 16th week

Component 3: 3rdassessment (at 18th – 19th week)

3a. 25% - written examination for all the units

3b. 25% practical with viva voce

Components 1 and 2 shall be made-up of tests, seminars, discussions, and presentations made by the candidate, assignments and such similar performance evaluating activities. Component 3shall be at the end of the term and shall be based on a combination of written examination and a practical/viva voce examination. The method followed by a teacher to evaluate his/her candidates shall be uniform to all the candidates and the teacher shall keep the testing mode informed to the candidates at least 5 days in advance.

  1. Project work

Normally, the candidate shall initiate the project work in the 2ndsemester. This is a compulsory part of the course with a credit value of 6. This work should be carried out over an entire semester/term period. A candidate can register for project work after he/she has acquired at least 20 credits successfully. For the project, the PG Diploma students are expected to work in behavioural and electrophysiological areas in auditory neurology. The students maycollaborate with outside experts/ agencies. Right from the initial stage of defining the problem, the candidate has to submit the progress reports periodically and also present the progress made in the form of seminars in addition to the regular discussion with the guide. Components of evaluation of the project are as follows:

Component 1: Initial plan of action, need & objectives (25%)

Component 2: Final presentation in Viva voce (25%)

Component 3: Final evaluation by guide (25%)

Component 4: Final evaluation by external expert (25%)

The total score will be converted into grade as defined later. The final viva voce for a candidate shall be generally conducted at the end of the course.

  1. Minima for pass in each paper, aggregate and conditions for promotion to next higher semester, if any

The candidate is evaluated on a 10-point scale (G). If P is the percentage of the marks scored by a candidate in the subject, which is the sum of all the marks from the four components mentioned above, then the Grade Point (GP) earned by a candidate is as given below. This is just for illustration. Grade (G) is solely decided by the teacher (Note: V is the credit value).

Calculation of Grade Point for each paper:

P / G / GP = V * G
90P  100 / 10 / V * 10
80  P 90 / 9 / V * 9
70 P < 80 / 8 / V * 8
60  P 70 / 7 / V * 7
50  P < 60 / 6 / V * 6
40 P < 50 / 5 / V * 5
30P < 40 / 4 / V * 4
0P < 30 / 0 / V * 3

If G 6, then the candidate is assumed to have automatically dropped this subject. He/she also has an option to withdraw a subject even after final evaluation, if he/she feels that he/she should improve in that subject in terms of grade. This act of withdrawing should be immediately within seven days after the announcement of the final result in that subject and not on a later day.

The minima for pass in each paper will be as follows:

For papers with 4 credits the GP should be ≥24 GP

For papers with 5 credits the GP should be ≥ 30 GP

For papers with 6 credits the GP should be ≥ 36 GP

He/she may register for such subject/s once again, or he/she may opt for an alternate subject later if available and when offered.

  1. Classification of successful candidates

The Final Grade awarded to the candidate is based on the Grade Point Average (GPA) secured by the candidate and is given as follows:

GPA / Grade
7.5GPA  10 / Distinction
7GPA < 7.5 / First class
6 GPA <7 / Second class
6 GPA / Dropped

The Grade Point Average will be equal to the sum of all the grade points (GP) divided by the sum of credit value (V) earned, i.e.,GPA = Total of GP obtained by the candidate/total no. of credit value, or GP/V. An illustration is provided below:

Paper ID / V / G / GP
NA 1.1 / 5 / 10 / 50
NA 1.2 / 5 / 10 / 50
NA 1.3 / 4 / 10 / 40
NA 1.4 / 5 / 10 / 50
NA 2.1 / 5 / 10 / 50
NA 2.2 / 5 / 10 / 50
NA 2.3 / 5 / 10 / 50
NA 2.4 / 6 / 10 / 60
Total / 40 / 10 / 400
GPA / 10
  1. Provision for appeal

A candidate, if dissatisfied with the grades that he/she has got with a feeling that he/she is unnecessarily penalized, can approach the grievance cell with the written submission together with all facts, factual and all the assignments, test papers etc, which were evaluated. He/she can do so before the semester end examination (based on 3 continuous assessments already made) or after the semesterend examination (Within 7 days of the results being announced). The grievance cell is empowered to revise the grades if the case is genuine and is also empowered to penalize the candidate if his/her submission is found to be baseless and unduly motivated. The penalty in such a case could be even up to the expulsion of the candidate from the course. The decision taken by the grievance cell is final.

The Director of the institute will be the Chairperson of the grievance cell and the academic coordinator would be the convenor. The composition of the grievance cell is as follows:

1)Director as the Chairperson

2)Two senior faculty members from the department

3)Two senior faculty members/subject experts from outside the institute

4)Additional lady faculty member (in case not covered by 1, 2 & 3), and

5)Additional faculty member from a minority community (in case not covered by 1, 2, 3,& 4)

6)Additional faculty member from SC/ST category (in case not covered in 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5)

7)Nominee of the Vice-Chancellor of the affiliating university

8)Academic Coordinator as convener

Appropriate fee as prescribed by the institute and the University of Mysore shall be collected from the candidate who goes for an appeal to the grievance cell, as per rules.

Post Graduate Diploma in Neuroaudiology (PGDNA)

Course Coverage

NA 1.1. Anatomy and Physiology of the Auditory and VestibularSystem

Objectives: After going through this unit, the student shall be able to describe:

  • The different parts of the auditory system(both peripheral and central auditory system) and vestibular system
  • How we hear
  • The role of afferent auditory pathway on signal processing
  • The efferent auditory pathway and its role in stimulus coding

Unit I: Anatomy and physiology of the peripheral auditory system

  • Basic anatomy and physiology of external and middle ear
  • Inner ear
  • Structure & tonotopic organization of auditory nerve
  • Cochlear innervation
  • Physiology of the auditory nerve

Unit II: Central auditory pathway

  • Anatomy and tonotopic organization of the:
  • Cochlear nucleus
  • Superior olivary complex
  • Lateral leminiscus
  • Inferior colliculus
  • Medial geniculate body
  • Neurophysiology of the central auditory pathway

Unit III: Auditory cortex and efferent system

a)Auditory cortex

  • Anatomy and tonotopic organization of the auditory cortex
  • Neurophysiology of the auditory cortex
  • Neural plasticity

b)Efferent pathway

  • Anatomy of the efferent auditory system
  • Physiology of the efferent system
  • Effect of efferent stimulation on cochlear physiology and auditory nerve
  • Importance of efferent system on stimulus coding

Unit IV: Anatomy & physiology of the vestibular system and cranial nerves related to the ear

  • Anatomy of the vestibular system and vestibular nerve
  • Physiology of the vestibular system and vestibular nerve
  • Vestibulo-spinal reflexes
  • Vestibulo-ocular reflexes
  • Overview of cranial nerves related to auditory system (Facial, Trigeminal, Vagus & Glossopharyngeal nerve)
  • Neurobiological relationship between auditory cortex and other areas

NA1.2. Overview of Behavioural Assessment of the Auditory Nervous System

Objectives:After going through this unit, the student shall be able to:

Explain different behavioural tests to assess the auditory system

  • Select tests to assess the cochlear pathologyretrocochlear pathology
  • Explain the tests which differentiate between cochlear and retrocochlear pathology
  • Describe the speech processing problems faced by individuals with auditory processing problems
  • Select appropriate behavioural tests to assess the different auditory processes.

Unit I: Behavioural tests to identify hearing problems

  • Basics on behavioural observation audiometry
  • Basics on conditioned audiometry
  • Basics on play audiometry
  • Basics on pure tone audiometry
  • Basics on speech audiometry
  • Tinnitus assessment

Unit II: Tests to differentiate cochlear and retro-cochlear pathology

  • PI-PB function
  • ABLB, MLB
  • SISI
  • Test for adaptation
  • Bekesy Audiometry
  • Brief tone Audiometry

Unit III: Central Auditory processing Disorders

  • Behavioural indications of central auditory processing disorders
  • Psychophysical bases fordevelopment of tests for central auditory processing
  • Variables influencing central auditory assessment
  • Procedural variables
  • Subject variables
  • Screening of central auditory disorders

Unit IV: Overview ofTests to detect (C)APD