The article reports the frequency and hearing levels used in hearing screening by school districts in Minnesota. Such an array of standards probably indicates similar variation in pass-fail criteria and therefore precludes accurate reporting of the prevalence of hearing impairment in school age children. The need for standardization throughout the…

Native Hawaiian preschoolers (n=172) received a battery of tests that included pure-tone audiometry, tympanometry, acoustic reflectometry, and pneumatic otoscopy. Approximately 15% of children failed a majority of the tests. Results are discussed in comparison to other indigenous groups at risk for middle ear disorders and hearing loss.…

This article addresses the need for very early identification of hearing loss; summarizes federal and state government involvement in early identification of hearing loss; compares common screening methods; explains the use of Transient Evoked Otoacoustic Emissions (TEOAE) with newborns; reviews existing TEOAE screening programs; and urges…

This report describes a project in Utah to investigate the feasibility of using transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAE) as a tool for screening for hearing loss in children with developmental disabilities (DD). Study participants included 336 students (ages 5 to 7) with no identified DD and 765 students (ages 3 to 7) with one or more DD.…

This paper addresses incidence of hearing loss in school-age children, components of hearing conservation programs, and hearing loss education. Incidence figures for the following hearing loss categories are detailed: unilateral hearing loss, fluctuating hearing loss, minimal sensorineural hearing loss, and mild to profound hearing loss.…

A review of laboratory research estimating effects of mild hearing impairment on infant speech perception abilities, under conditions simulating mild hearing loss in normal hearing infants, suggests that even mild alterations of auditory input during infancy may have significant developmental consequences. Results support identification,…

Discusses early detection of hearing impairment in Japan with particular reference to the system used in Tokushima Prefecture. Suggests that a required screening of all children at 18 months of age resulted in 2 developments: (1) all the hard-of-hearing children were identified; and (2) public health nurses became more alert to hearing impairment…

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…

Discusses the Home Training Program for congenital hearing-impaired infants and their families administered by the Teikyo University Hospital. Suggests that the program is based on the maximum use of residual hearing, early identification of hearing impairment and early intervention, and support for parents. (AA)

This kit for assessing central auditory processing disorders (CAPD), in children in grades 1 through 8 includes 3 books, 14 full-color cards with picture scenes, and a card depicting a phone key pad, all contained in a sturdy carrying case. The units in each of the three books correspond with auditory skill areas most commonly addressed in…

Early amplification is crucial to efficient habilitation and development of oral communication skills in hearing-impaired infants. Initial evaluation and fitting of amplification is a joint effort by the audiologist, therapist, and parents, whether the child uses traditional hearing aids or cochlear implants, and should be supplemented by a…

Presents the ideas and educational activities of the TRIANGLE intervention program for both hearing-impaired or deaf infants and their mothers. The program encourages children's integration into the community and into school, offers classes on everyday learning activities at home, provides counseling and audiological assessment for parents and…

Designed to assist audiologists in the educational setting in responding to frequently asked questions concerning audiological auditory processing disorder (APD) evaluations, this paper addresses: (1) auditory processes; (2) auditory processing skills; (3) characteristics of auditory processing disorders; (4) causes of auditory overload; (5) why…

This document compiles abstracts of papers that were presented at a 3-day conference of experts which developed a consensus statement on early identification of hearing impairment in infants and young children. Papers addressed taxonomy; epidemiology; developmental consequences of early hearing impairment; methodology, instrumentation, and…

Examined the effectiveness of the Aided Articulation Index (AAI) in the evaluation of the fitting of hearing aids, using a sample of hearing-impaired children in a kindergarten and primary school for the deaf in Japan. Found that AAI decreased with hearing threshold level and an AAI of 0.3 is necessary for children to function effectively with…