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An approach for ensuring accuracy in pediatric hearing instrument fitting
Richard C Seewald1, Susan D Scollie
1Child Amplification Laboratory, National Centre for Audiology, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.
Trends in Amplification
|March 9, 2004
Summary
The Desired Sensation Level method offers specific procedures for pediatric hearing instrument fitting. This approach accounts for unique infant and child ear acoustics in audiology assessments and device selection.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Pediatric audiology
- Hearing science
Background:
- Hearing instrument fitting for children presents unique challenges compared to adults.
- Pediatric fittings require specialized methods due to anatomical and developmental differences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce the Desired Sensation Level (DSL) method tailored for pediatric hearing instrument fitting.
- To detail how the DSL method incorporates the specific acoustic properties of young children's ears.
Main Methods:
- Systematic accounting for external ear acoustics in infants and young children.
- Development of evidence-based procedures for pediatric audiological assessment.
- Electroacoustic selection and verification protocols for pediatric hearing instruments.
Main Results:
- The Desired Sensation Level method provides a framework for pediatric hearing aid fitting.
- Specific procedures are outlined for accurate audiometric assessment in infants and children.
- Guidelines for electroacoustic selection and verification ensure optimal hearing instrument performance.
Conclusions:
- The Desired Sensation Level method is specifically designed to address the unique needs of pediatric hearing instrument fitting.
- This method provides audologists with evidence-based tools for fitting hearing instruments in infants and young children.