Arlo’s Case Study Report Writing

• Critically applied theoretical knowledge about the anatomical and physiological processes of the central auditory system and vestibular system for the diagnosis and treatment of auditory and vestibular pathologies.
• Critically applies evidence-informed judgment in the selection and interpretation of clinical tests for the central auditory system across a variety of contexts.
• Develop appropriate referral and management plans across a variety of contexts.

Instructions

You are asked to present Arlo’s case at an upcoming conference. Using the results provided write up your findings in 1000 words. You may use the following headers to guide you:

• Abstract (50 – 100 words)
• Introduction (up to 400 words)
• Results (up to 200 words)
• Discussion & Recommendations (up to 400 words
• Conclusion (50 - 100 words)

Arlo is a 3.5-year-old boy who is referred to your clinic for a complete diagnostic evaluation. His family live remotely and he was a home birth, so no hearing screening was carried out. His mother reports no difficulties during pregnancy and birth. His parents started getting concerned around 18 months of age as Arlo had no speech or language. Arlo was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at 2.5 years of age and is now seeing a speech-language pathologist fortnightly and a paediatrician. The paediatrician would like a complete hearing evaluation to rule out hearing loss.

Results

Otoscopy is normal. Tympanometry finds a Type A bilaterally. You attempt play audiometry, but Arlo can’t be conditioned reliably so you switch to VRA.

The following sound field results are found before Arlo loses interest in the task.

OAE testing

Right DP OAE

Left DP OAE

ABR testing