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…

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…

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)

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,…

Intended for teachers and caregivers of severely handicapped individuals with impaired hearing, the manual provides information about hearing and audiological assessment. Section I presents an overview of the nature of sound and the structure of the ear. Section II describes a number of informal assessment procedures which can be carried out in…

This article presents information about the auditory and speech development of infants with normal hearing and those who are deaf or hard of hearing. Methods of assessing hearing, evidence of auditory learning prior to birth, behavior assessment procedures, hearing aid use, and early identification and speech development are discussed. (Contains…

This paper addresses three areas related to amplification for infants and toddlers with hearing impairments: (1) identification issues as they relate to early amplification; (2) selection of amplification; and (3) assessment of aided function. Identification issues discussed include the goal of early identification of hearing loss and the impact…

Auditory performance of 40 5-year-old children was measured using a speech signal that simulated the amplified signal a child with hearing loss would hear. Subjects were restricted in their access to speech due to the hearing aid, the decreased sensation level (simulated hearing loss) at which they listened, and distance. (Contains references.)…

Variability of aided sound field thresholds (ASFTs) was examined in 30 hearing-impaired children comprising 2 age groups (5-9 and 10-14 years). Findings showed that 2 ASFTs would have to differ by more than 10 decibels across signal test frequencies to attain statistical significance. (Author/DB)

This paper describes functions of the components of hearing aids and provides a detailed procedure to detect hearing aid dysfunctions. The most common type of hearing aids for school children are the behind the ear type. Various hearing aid components change sound into an electrical signal, which is amplified and adjusted by a volume control. The…

A TECHNIQUE FOR OVERCOMING HEARING PROBLEMS IN INFANTS AND CHILDREN IS DESCRIBED IN THIS BOOK WHICH ALSO REPORTS ON 10 YEARS OF HEAR (HEARING EDUCATION THROUGH AUDITORY RESEARCH) FOUNDATION ACHIEVEMENTS. ANY CHILD IS ELIGIBLE FOR AUDIOMETRIC EVALUATION AND/OR THERAPY AT THE FOUNDATION, WHICH ROUTINELY FITS CHILDREN WITH BINAURAL AIDS. EXPLANATIONS…

A demonstration home provided a parent oriented program and audiologic management for 94 deaf preschoolers (mean age 2 years 4 months). Each child underwent a trial period with different hearing aids before permanent recommendation was made. Parents were present at these clinic sessions; they also received instruction in how to encourage auditory…

Focuses upon the selection and fitting of hearing aids for young children in Japan. Explains fitting methods and their evaluation. Suggests that although most of the schools for the deaf are making serious efforts to establish binaural fitting and use of residual hearing, lack of professional training hinders those efforts. (AA)