Children can only develop spoken language through consistent exposure to the acoustic cues that comprise speech and language. Until recently, hearing levels from the clinical audiogram were the primary measure used to define typical hearing and the presence or degree of a child's hearing loss. While the clinical audiogram remains an important…

Some children are born with a hearing loss. Other children, initially, hear normally, but progressively lose their hearing over time. Other reasons for hearing loss include illness, accidents, genes, trauma, or, simply, a fluke of nature. With the right tools and optimal intervention, most children adapt well and lead active lives just like anyone…

A method that allows direct comparisons between pure-tone loudness-matching and intensity-discrimination data in normal and hearing impaired listeners is described. (Author)

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.…

This paper describes a new "class" of auditory tests designed to evaluated the ability of young children to detect commonly encountered sounds; localize sound sources; and understand speech in noise. The tests appear to be sensitive to the effects of auditory pathology and to the normal development of auditory processing skills. (DB)

According to the Royal National Institute for the Deaf, between eight and nine million people suffer from some form of deafness or loss of hearing. Modern technology, however, together with the work of audiologists such as Karen Shepherd, enables many adults and children to recover near-normal levels of hearing, even when they have suffered some…

The manual describes audiology services offered at the Model Secondary School for the Deaf (MSSD). Components are listed for diagnostic services, instructional services, program development, training, and publications. Testing and reporting procedures for MSSD students are outlined. Testing includes pure-tone air conduction testing, tympanometry,…

Describes the development and evaluation of a computer-administered testing program for auditory discrimination in young children. (WB)

Discusses the techniques used in Japan to assess and monitor the acquisition of auditory skills by hearing-impaired children. Suggests that digits, syllables, and word lists are more suited to adults. Proposes the use of words, sounds, and music familiar to children in combination with instruments based on observation of daily activities in either…