This paper examines the special considerations involved in selecting a speech perception test battery for young deaf children. The auditory-only tests consisted of closed-set word identification tasks and minimal-pairs syllable tasks. Additional tests included identification of words in sentences, open-set word recognition, and evaluation of…

Frequency difference limens (DLFs) for pure tones were obtained over a wide range of frequencies and levels from 7 normal-hearing subjects and 16 ears of 12 listeners with sensorineural hearing losses. Results indicated that it is reasonable to use data from normal listeners' DLFs to evaluate DLFs from hearing-impaired listeners. (Author/JDD)

Data from 1968-69 testing by the National Speech and Hearing Survey of over 38,000 United States school children indicates a prevalence of hearing impairment at roughly half the usually cited rates. Because of the number of subjects and the unique calibration technique used, these findings should be given greater weight and dissemination.…

The study evaluated use of the Modified Power Law to predict permanent threshold shift (PTS) resulting from noise exposure in eight children with severe sensorineural hearing loss attributed to overamplification by hearing aids. The PTS tended to be flat across frequency with its course similar to PTS in persons with normal hearing exposed to…

The correlation between extended high-frequency thresholds and caloric responses was studied in 52 dizzy patients, aged 15-84. Results showed no strong tonotopic relation between the audiometric data and unilateral weakness of the caloric response, but indicated a subtle trend for eye velocity to increase as a function of increasing hearing…

The effectiveness of sound as a reinforcer of manipulative responses was studied with 50 infants four to 12 months old. Noisy toys were manipulated significantly more frequently than quiet ones by infants from six to 10 months old. (Author/SEW)

The study investigates differences in the auditory discrimination ability of 24 elementary school age reading achievers and underachievers, as measured by standard audiometric tests and nonconventional auditory tests. The findings show that reading underachievers scored significantly poorer than reading achievers on some of the nonconventional…

Information is presented about the auditory development of infants and toddlers with hearing impairments, the goals of amplification, and how amplification is selected and assessed. Practical points to enhance hearing aid use and adjustment are offered. (Author/DB)

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,…

A study of 44 infants who suffered asphyxia during the perinatal period examined the influence of perinatal asphyxia on the maturation of auditory pathways by serial recordings of the brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEP). The general maturational course of the BAEP following asphyxia was similar to a control group. (Author/CR)

An operate conditional technique was used to determine the relative success of toys and video shows as reinforcers for testing the hearing of 28 younger (30-month-old) and 28 older (45-month old) children. Animated toys and video shows for children were equally effective as reinforcers for both age groups. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

Data were collected on sound levels in public school shops, the policies regarding hearing protection and sound level monitoring in shops in a four state area, and hearing levels of students with varying histories of noise exposure. Sound levels in most school shops are sufficient to constitute a hazard to hearing. (Author)

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)

To determine the auditory acuity levels and responsiveness of seven deaf blind multihandicapped young children, the authors developed systematic observation procedures that can be used by parents, teachers, and teacher aides. The advantages of this approach and suggestions for further work are described. A case study is reported. (Author)

Reports on a study that examined noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) among school band directors. Finds that 41 percent of band directors in the sample had characteristic NIHL curves indicating that their experience as band directors played a role in the hearing loss. Recommends further study into the causes of NIHL among school band directors. (LS)