Ninetieth percentile cutoffs for acoustic reflex thresholds (ART) were determined for a sample of 1,374 adult subjects with normal hearing and sensorineural loss of cochlear origin. It was found that 12.2 percent had one ear ART elevated above the ninetieth percentile, but only 5.6 percent had more than one elevated ART. (DB)

Text and graphs describe the Dynamic Range Configuration audiogram developed at the Central Institute for the Deaf in St. Louis, Missouri. The audiogram displays the portion of the average speech spectrum audible to the child, with and without amplification, and can be effective in counseling parents and planning appropriate amplification.…

The study examined the test-retest reliability in unaided and aided sound-field thresholds and the functional gain values derived from these measurements in 24 hearing-impaired adults. Test-retest standard deviations were slightly larger for functional gain than for unaided thresholds. (Author/DB)

The paper provides an overview of audiological terms and types of hearing impairments to help teachers of visually impaired preschoolers work more effectively with audiologists. Both functional auditory assessment and formal audiometric evaluations are discussed. (Author/CL)

The paper presents information regarding the major components of a basic audiologic test battery and the effects of hearing impairment on certain areas of development. (Author)

The application of the Articulation Index (AI) model to the fitting of linear amplification was evaluated for 12 subjects with sensorineural hearing loss. For all subjects, the relationship between percent-correct scores on a nonsense syllable test and AIs was monotonic, indicating that AI was effective for comparing conditions typical of those…

Sensitivity and specificity of static acoustic admittance (SAA) and tympanometric width (TW) were assessed for 116 pediatric patients. A statistically significant change in SAA was observed in immediate repeat measures. No significant change across the two sequential measures was observed for TW, peak pressure, or the estimate of ear canal volume.…

Almost 15 percent of children from 6 to 19 years old have some degree of hearing loss in one or both ears. Offers guidelines for screening students' hearing and recommends that interventions begin with classroom acoustics, which affect all children including those with normal hearing. Includes strategies for accommodating hearing-impaired…

This tutorial paper examines the potential of otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) in diagnostic audiology. It discusses classification of OAEs, basic properties of various types of OAEs, and clinical applications. It concludes that both transiently evoked and distortion product OAEs have beneficial clinical application resulting from their objectivity,…

Examples of 26 toys and games that can be used as rewards for language lessons and audiological evaluation of hearing-impaired children are listed. The materials are explained to provide reinforcement for the child's speech production. Materials are briefly described and names of their publishers given. (CL)

The author provides suggestions for audiologic assessment and aural rehabilitation of mentally retarded hearing impaired children. A practical screening procedure is described, and specific aspects of auditory training are considered. (SBH)

This paper presents a diagnostic procedure in which a child's possible perceptual/cognitive problems and learning style are carefully documented to create a profile of the child's auditory and visual mode strengths and weaknesses. The profile created is intended to integrate the components of the educational evaluation into a meaningful whole.…

This article describes assessment and management strategies for infants and toddlers with normal hearing or fluctuating conductive hearing loss, who are identified as having central auditory impairment and/or judged to have abnormal auditory behavior. Management strategies include audiologic, medical, and speech and language management. Three case…

Hearing loss in infants and young children can be identified through behavioral observation audiometry, visual reinforcement audiometry, or auditory brainstem response testing. Habilitation may involve amplification with hearing aids, other assistive listening devices, or cochlear implants. Expectations for children with different degrees of…

Word lists spoken in Castillian, Caribbean, and Mexican dialects were compared to identify speech reception thresholds in 12 Spanish-speaking, Puerto Rican children (ages 6-7). No statistically significant differences were found among the dialects. (Author/DB)