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Behavioral Assessment of Hearing in 2 to 4 Year-old Children: A Two-interval, Observer-based Procedure Using Conditioned Play-based Responses
Published on: January 23, 2017
[Treatment of hearing impairment in children]
1Klinik und Poliklinik für Hals-, Nasenund Ohrenheilkunde der LMU München. John-Martin-Hempel@med.uni-muenchen.de
Insights
Early detection of hearing deficits is crucial for speech development. Interventions like hearing aids or cochlear implants, and surgical options for conductive deafness, should be timely for optimal outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Audiology
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Normal speech development hinges on adequate hearing.
- Early identification of hearing impairment is critical for timely intervention.
- Various types of hearing loss require distinct management strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detect hearing deficits impacting speech acquisition before three months of age.
- To outline timely interventions for sensorineural and conductive hearing loss in infants and children.
- To establish age-based guidelines for audiological interventions.
Main Methods:
- Clinical assessment for hearing deficits impacting speech.
- Evaluation of audiological interventions including hearing aids and cochlear implants.
- Consideration of surgical options for persistent tympanic effusion and congenital auditory canal atresia or middle ear anomalies.
Main Results:
- Sensorineural deafness necessitates hearing aid provision by six months.
- Cochlear implantation is indicated if hearing aids are insufficient.
- Surgical intervention for persistent tympanic effusion (adenotomy, paracentesis, ear tube) can be performed before one year.
- Surgical reconstruction for sound-conduction deafness may be considered around age five.
Conclusions:
- Early audiological assessment and intervention are paramount for speech development.
- A multi-faceted approach addressing different types of hearing loss ensures optimal outcomes.
- Timely management, including hearing aids, cochlear implants, and surgery, significantly impacts a child's hearing and speech trajectory.
Abstract:
The prerequisite for normal speech development is the ability to hear normally. Our objective here is the detection of a hearing deficit with a relevant impact on the acquisition of speech before the child is three months old. Such a hearing impairment due to sensorineural deafness requires the provision of a hearing aid, which needs to be done before the child is six months old. If the provision of a hearing aid fails to provide the desired results, or if they may no longer be expected, a cochlear implant is indicated. In the event of tympanic effusion persistence, an adenotomy with paracentesis, and possibly the insertion of an ear tube, is indicated. This intervention can be done before the child is one year old. Permanent sound-conduction deafness may be due to auditory canal atresia or middle ear anomalies. In such cases, it is important to establish whether surgical reconstruction, for example of the sound conduction system, can restore good hearing over the long term. Prior to surgery at the age of about five, the child must be provided with a hearing aid.
