Audiological evaluation of nonspeaking, physically challenged populations

When assessing the hearing of physically challenged nonspeaking individuals, examiners generally restrict the assessment to pure tone testing which limits the diagnostic value of the evaluation. This study recommends adapting the standard speech audiometry procedures by utilizing an eye gaze response mode. Results indicate that an eye gaze technique can be used effectively in a clinical setting. Strategies and techniques are proposed for adapting a variety of speech audiometric procedures.