National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research (NCRAR)
Marquam Hill Audiology Grand Rounds - CEU Details
The current month's grand rounds info and CEU documents are below (see CEU information at the bottom of the page).
Date: Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Time: 12-1pm (Pacific)
Location: Virtual via Microsoft Teams
Presenter: Aaron Roman, AuD, Associate Professor and Director of the Audiology Graduate Program, Dept. of Communication Science & Disorders at the University of Pittsburgh
Title: Manifestation of Audiology-related Symptoms in a Case of Neurosyphilis
Overview: Neurosyphilis, a manifestation of syphilis infection involving the central nervous system, presents a wide range of neurological and sensory symptoms, often complicating timely diagnosis. This case report highlights a 30-year-old male who presented with bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and aural fullness—symptoms initially attributed to barotrauma and noise exposure. Audiologic evaluation revealed bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, and subsequent infectious disease workup confirmed latent neurosyphilis. The patient was treated with three weekly intramuscular injections of benzathine penicillin (2.4 million units), resulting in full recovery of hearing thresholds and otoacoustic emissions within two months. This case is notable for the extent of audiologic recovery without adjunctive steroid therapy and underscores the importance of including audiologic assessment in the diagnostic and monitoring protocols for neurosyphilis. It also raises important considerations for interdisciplinary collaboration in managing atypical presentations of syphilis. Early recognition and treatment may significantly improve patient outcomes in similar cases.
Learner Outcomes: Upon completion of this session, participants will be able to:
• Describe the audiologic symptoms associated with neurosyphilis.
• Identify key diagnostic tools—including audiometric and serologic testing—used in the assessment of suspected neurosyphilis with audiologic symptoms.
• Discuss the implications of early diagnosis and treatment on hearing outcomes in neurosyphilis patients.
Disclosure statement: Aaron Roman, AuD, CCC-A, has the following relevant financial relationship to disclose: he receives a salary from the University of Pittsburgh. He has the following non-financial relationships to disclose; he is a member of and serves on the editorial board of the American Journal of Audiology.
*IMPORTANT DETAILS: The seminars will be broadcast via Microsoft Teams.
To receive a Teams invitation, please fill out the registration form at this link.
Once you have a Microsoft Teams invitation, please see the instructions for joining below at the time of the call:
1. Click on the “Join Microsoft Teams Meeting” link in the Outlook invitation for the seminar (in the Outlook calendar)
2. Click on “Join now," and mute your microphone.
3. Alternately, you can simply call the telephone number listed below the "Join Microsoft Teams Meeting" link. Note: MUTE your phone; do not place your phone on hold.
CEUs: new process!! To receive CEUs for watching the seminar, please click on this link to submit your information and evaluation.
Submit your evaluation within 5 business days (August 22) in order to receive credit. Questions? Please send them to Marianne Pierson at Marianne.Pierson@va.gov.
NCRAR is approved by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association to offer 0.1 CEU for this continuing education activity (Advanced level, Professional Area).
