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Visual reinforcement audiometry (VRA) with young Down's syndrome children
The Journal of Speech and Hearing Disorders
|November 1, 1978
Summary
Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA) effectively assesses hearing in young children with Down syndrome. Success is linked to developmental age, with 10 months being a critical threshold for reliable auditory responses.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Genetics
Background:
- Down syndrome is associated with a higher incidence of hearing loss.
- Early hearing assessment is crucial for developmental outcomes.
- Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA) is a common audiological assessment for infants and young children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA) in assessing hearing thresholds in young children with Down syndrome.
- To determine the relationship between VRA success and developmental age in this population.
Main Methods:
- Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA) was performed on 41 subjects with Down syndrome (6 months to 6 years).
- A head-turn response to auditory stimuli was monitored and reinforced visually.
- The Bayley Scales of Infant Development (BSID) was administered to 24 subjects to correlate with VRA results.
Main Results:
- 68% of subjects initially oriented to the sound source.
- VRA thresholds were obtained in 81% of responsive subjects during a single visit.
- A critical developmental age of 10 months was identified for consistent VRA responses, correlating with BSID Mental Age Equivalent.
Conclusions:
- VRA is a viable method for assessing hearing in young children with Down syndrome.
- Developmental age, particularly reaching 10 months, is a key factor for successful VRA implementation.
- The study suggests a potentially higher prevalence of hearing loss in the Down syndrome population.