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Updated: Jun 5, 2026
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
Audiometry in young children
Insights
Auditory assessment in young children requires evaluating overall function, not just age. Early detection of auditory impairment involves behavioral, impedance, and brain-stem response audiometry, considering broader health factors.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Audiology
- Developmental Pediatrics
Background:
- Auditory assessment in infants and young children is crucial for early detection of hearing impairments.
- Test success is influenced by a child's overall functioning, not solely chronological age.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review techniques for auditory assessment in young children.
- To emphasize the importance of comprehensive diagnostic audiology beyond peripheral hearing tests.
Main Methods:
- Review of various auditory assessment techniques.
- Inclusion of behavioral audiometry, impedance audiometry, and auditory brain-stem response audiometry.
- Consideration of neurological, cognitive, emotional, and auditory factors.
Main Results:
- Deviations in auditory behavior may indicate auditory impairment.
- Diagnostic audiology necessitates a holistic approach, investigating potential neurological and developmental issues alongside hearing loss.
- A battery of tests facilitates early diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- Early and accurate auditory assessment in children requires a comprehensive approach.
- Interpretation of auditory test results must integrate information on the child's overall health and development.
Abstract:
The author of this article reviews various techniques in the auditory assessment of infants and young children. The success of these tests depends on the overall functioning of the child, and not on chronological age alone. Any significant deviation from the normal auditory behaviour should raise suspicion of possible auditory impairment. Diagnostic audiology involves more than mere testing of the peripheral auditory mechanism in isolation. It necessitates investigation of possible neurological impairment, mental retardation, emotional disturbance, and hearing loss. Early diagnosis is facilitiated by the battery of auditory tests comprising behavioural, impedance audiometry and auditory brain-stem response audiometry. Interpretation of test findings must be carefully assessed in the light of other pertinent information.
