Consensus on key concepts in audiometry

INTRODUCTION: To develop a consensus-based curriculum for audiometry and hearing test interpretation, adopting a structured Delphi methodology. The goal was to address gaps in audiological training by defining key concepts that should be taught to three learner groups: medical students (i.e. all doctors), early otorhinolaryngology residents (i.e., all ORL specialists) and ORL specialists with a subspecialty in audiology (medical audiology subspecialists). METHODS: A three-round Delphi process was used, and content experts and key educational stakeholders in ORL and ORL specialists with a subspecialty in audiology were invited to participate in online questionnaires. In round 1, panellists brainstormed key concepts via open-ended questions. The Steering Committee merged and grouped similar responses; and in rounds 2 and 3, panellists rated and refined items of relevance for each target group. RESULTS: Twenty content experts and key educational stakeholders participated in round 1. Among these, 13 and 12 responded in rounds 2 and 3, respectively. From 303 initial suggestions of key concepts related to audiometry and interpretation, 71 unique items were identified and rated in the subsequent rounds. A final consensus was reached on 19 concepts that should be known by all doctors, 53 by ORL specialists and 71 by audiology subspecialists. CONCLUSIONS: This Delphi study established expert consensus on core competencies for interpreting audiometry tailored to three learner levels. These findings provide a structured foundation for developing an e-learning curriculum and support the integration of structured audiological training.None. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not relevant.