Ms. Silvia Di Bonaventura | Neuroscience | Women Researcher Award
Audiologist | University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust | United Kingdom
Ms. Silvia, A dedicated Clinical and Research Audiologist at University College London (UCL) with extensive experience in audiology, hearing loss management, and auditory processing disorders. With a strong academic background and significant contributions to research, this professional has played a crucial role in national health initiatives and audiological advancements.
Profile๐ค
Strengths for the Awardsโจ
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Academic Excellence ๐
- Holds a Master of Science in Advanced Audiology (with Merit) from University College London (UCL), one of the world’s top institutions.
- Additional Masterโs degree in Autism Spectrum Disorders (with Distinction).
- Bachelorโs degree in Audiology with First Class Honours from University of Padua.
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Significant Research Contributions ๐ฌ
- Key researcher in the SeaSHeL study, the largest UK cohort study on sudden sensorineural hearing loss, involving over 100 NHS hospitals.
- Published work in BMJ Open and other platforms, contributing to the advancement of clinical audiology research.
- Involvement in research and clinical guidelines development through the British Society of Audiology (BSA) and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
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Extensive Professional Experience in Audiology & Research ๐ฉโโ๏ธ
- Senior Audiologist at UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, specializing in pediatric and advanced audiological assessments.
- Expertise in Auditory Processing Disorders (APD), vestibular testing, and hearing aid rehabilitation.
- Former Adjunct Professor at the University of Pisa, teaching audiological testing and hearing aid fitting.
Education ๐
- Master of Science in Advanced Audiology (2020-2022) โ University College London (UK)
- Obtained with Merit
- Thesis: “The impact of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss on patients’ quality of life”
- Master in Autism Spectrum Disorders and Communication Disorders (2020) โ University “Niccolรฒ Cusano” (Italy)
- Obtained with Distinction
- Thesis: “Autism and hearing loss: management of two contrasting case studies”
- Bachelor of Science in Audiology (2014-2017) โ University of Padua (Italy)
- Obtained with First Class Honours
- Thesis: “Evaluating aided hearing performance and functional gain in case studies: a comparison between Italy and Spain”
Experience ๐
- Senior Audiologist (2021-Present) โ Royal National ENT and Eastman Dental Hospital, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Performing advanced audiological assessments in pediatric patients
- Developing clinical protocols and monitoring adherence to best practices
- Diagnosing and managing Auditory Processing Disorders (APD)
- Leading pediatric aural rehabilitation with hearing aids and BAHA devices
- Researcher & Member of the Central Academic Team for the SeaSHeL Study (2020-Present) โ National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), London, UK
- Coordinating the largest UK cohort study on sudden sensorineural hearing loss
- Managing research across over 100 NHS hospitals
- Website: SeaSHeL Study
- Adjunct Professor (2023) โ University of Pisa (Italy)
- Teaching modules on audiometry, audiological tests, and hearing aid optimization
- Clinical Roles in Audiology (2017-Present)
- Paediatric Audiologist โ Barts Health NHS Trust (2020-2021)
- Audiologist โ James Paget University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (2019)
- Clinical Placement โ Ospedale Civile “Santo Spirito,” Pescara & Treviso Regional Hospitals (2015-2016)
Research Interests On Neuroscience
- Auditory Processing Disorders (APD) and its clinical management
- Hearing loss and rehabilitation strategies in pediatric populations
- Sudden sensorineural hearing loss and its impact on quality of life
- Integration of audiology within autism spectrum disorder care
Awards ๐
- Erasmus+ Traineeship Winner (2017) โ Funded internship in Madrid, Spain, working across five Amplifon hearing centers
- Professional Certifications:
- Certified Ear Microsuction Specialist (2022) โ Clear Earwax, London, UK
- Multiple membership certifications in audiology societies
Publications ๐
- “The impact of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss on patients’ quality of life” (2022) โ Published in BMJ Open
- “Evaluating aided hearing performance and functional gain in case studies: a comparison between Italy and Spain” (2017) โ Published in Journal of Audiological Research
Conclusion ๐ฏ
A passionate audiology professional committed to research, clinical excellence, and improving patient outcomes. With a strong foundation in education and an active role in leading audiology initiatives, this expert continues to drive innovation in hearing healthcare.