A method of controlling an internal combustion engine having at least one cylinder defining a variable-volume combustion chamber; and a rotating crankshaft powered by a piston sliding inside the cylinder; the control method including the steps of: determining a recording window expressed in engine angle degrees and having a start engine angle and a stop engine angle; acquiring and memorizing the intensity of sound pressure waves, generated by the internal combustion engine as a function of an engine angle, by means of at least one sound pressure sensor and within the recording window; and estimating the value of at least one operating parameter of a part of the internal combustion engine by analysing the intensity of the sound pressure waves in the recording window.