Evaluation of a deaf child

One should be aware that the measurement of hearing is really an evaluation of a child's behavioural responses in a controlled setting to the presentation of various acoustic stimuli. The determination of hearing loss in some children is an ongoing process and may require more than one test session. Difficult to test children should be evaluated with as many techniques as possible for accurate cross checking of test results. Flexibility, patience and understanding and persistence are the watch words of successful hearing testing with children. For the bulk of patients who require audiological assessment however, the test battery (BOA, IMPEDANCE & BSER) approach seems to be the best available present day approach coupled with long term follow ups and careful management.