Medico-legal use of otoacoustic emissions in the audiological selection process for employment.

A 6-year experience of the Italian Air Force Medical Selection Centre in the audiological evaluation of candidates for employment is summarized. Otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) were introduced progressively from 1993 to analyse more effectively subjects affected with sensorineural hearing loss and reduce possible bias connected to standard audiometric tests. OAEs provided a useful tool to support pure-tone audiometry, providing more accurate audiological data. Finally, a reduction of medico-legal claims was observed in candidates undergoing OAE testing.

Measurements in microscopic images: an inexpensive device for semi-automatic analysis of microscopic images.

Measurement of histological and cytological parameters can be performed much faster and more accurate by means of a semi-automatic device that is described in detail. The system consists mainly of a medium-sized computer and one or more peripheral terminals. Each terminal incorporates a special measurement table for data acquisition, a keyboard for manual data input, and an interface. The software program for the evaluation and storage of the digital data is simple to write and offers a high degree of flexibility to the user. The system can be operated in real time.