Distance learning in audiology during COVID-19 pandemic: students opinions on virtual internship

Objective: Present study aimed to investigate Audiology students’ opinions about virtual internship who used the virtual audiometer program during their summer internship. Materials and Methods: Fifty-four students of Audiology (mean age=23±5years) from Hacettepe University participated in the study. Data were collected using a questionnaire about the effects of the virtual internship on self-efficacy, knowledge and skills acquisition. Results: Despite being anxious (61.1%), students’ knowledge, skills (72.2%) and quality of work (59.3%) improved significantly with the use of virtual audiometer. Most students stated that the program did not have a positive effect on the ability to interact with patients (79.6%). However, they could use the virtual audiometer independently (68.5%) and confidently (63%) and measure the air- (94.4%) and bone-conduction (90.7%) thresholds. Conclusion: Students’ opinions about the use of virtual internship indicated that this alternative approach may support the reinforcement of clinical skills, despite having limitations of interactions with patients.