Event. Interacoustics Academy Vestibular Diagnostics: Advanced course

Dates: 11th - 13th November 2025

The advanced balance course is designed to deepen participants knowledge in the more complex components of vestibular diagnostics. Time will be spent looking at the vestibular tests in more detail exploring how to analysis the results, detect artefacts and interpret results in more complex cases. Each day will focus on a vestibular syndrome.

On day one we will focus on acute vestibular syndrome and look at the tools we have to help us make effective differentials diagnostic decisions in this population.

On day two we will turn our attention to episodic vestibular syndrome and deep dive into BPPV, Meniere’s disease and vestibular migraine.

On the final day we will cover the conditions in chronic vestibular syndrome and look at how functional assessment of the vestibular system and advanced ocular motor exams can help in diagnosing these patients.

To facilitate learning the course will be split between theoretical components (50%) and practical components (50%) which include hands on with equipment and case studies.

A balance foundations course is scheduled for June 2025. Please look at the learning objectives for this course also to make sure the course you choose is suitable for your knowledge level

Target participants: Otolaryngologists, audiologists, vestibular physiotherapists and any other healthcare professionals seeking to establish or enhance knowledge in advanced vestibular diagnostics

Prerequisite knowledge:This course is suited for those working within vestibular diagnostics seeing balance patients on a regular basis. Please note there is a vestibular foundation course which will be ran in June 2025

Cost Price: 1000 EUR + 250 EUR VAT (VAT refundable)
Includes: 3-day workshop
Hotel room 3 nights
Breakfast, lunch and coffee breaks during workshop
1 Dinner
Transportation to/from the hotel and office
- Flights are at your own expense

Speakers:

Darren Whelan

Darren holds an undergraduate degree in audiology and postgraduate master’s degrees in health science, neurophysiology, and clinical research. His resumé includes several clinical positions in the National Health Service (NHS). Prior to his current occupation as an International Clinical Trainer in the Interacoustics Academy, Darren held a clinical audiology and research scientist role in the UK, where he investigated patients with auditory and vestibular pathology, and managed a portfolio of NIHR adopted research studies. He has been a guest speaker at national and international conventions, enjoys teaching and providing clinical insights on the management of patients with dizziness and is a contributing author on published audiological and vestibular articles. Darren has also been an adjunct professor at Salus University in the USA, lecturing on the Doctor of Audiology degree.

Michelle Petrak

Michelle Petrak, Ph.D., is the Director of Clinical Audiology and Vestibular Research for Interacoustics. Her primary role is development and clinical validation of new technologies in the vestibular and balance areas. She is located in Chicago where she is a licensed private practice clinical audiologist at Northwest Speech and Hearing (NWSPH). Dr. Petrak received her doctorates in Electrophysiology (1992) and Biomolecular Electronics (1994) from Wayne State University and her Masters in Audiology in 1989. Her special areas of expertise include vestibular and balance assessments and management of the dizzy patient. Dr. Petrak is involved with new innovative product developments, clinical evaluations of new protocols, and publishing, teaching, and training on the management of patients with dizziness. She continues to lecture extensively nationally and internationally, and she has numerous articles published in the hearing industry journals. She also participates on the committees for several doctoral students as support for the research projects.

Leigh Martin

Leigh is a British Audiologist and adjunct lecturer at the University of Cork, Ireland. Clinically, he has worked in the National Health Service specializing in paediatric audiology as well as vestibular diagnostics and rehabilitation. Leigh has also sat on the board of directors for the British Academy of Audiology. Since 2013, Leigh has supported the growth and development of the Interacoustics Academy and holds the position of Director of the Academy. Leigh has presented at numerous scientific conferences and meetings across a diverse range of audiological topics as well as having published papers in both video head impulse testing (vHIT) and wideband tympanometry.