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Loudness discomfort levels in children.
M E Kawell1, J G Kopun, P G Stelmachowicz
1Boys Town National Institute for Communication Disorders in Children, Omaha, Nebraska.
Ear and Hearing
|June 1, 1988
Summary
Loudness discomfort levels (LDLs) can be reliably measured in children aged 7-14. These levels are similar to adults, indicating hearing aid maximum output doesn't need age-specific limits.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Hearing Aid Technology
Background:
- Loudness discomfort levels (LDLs) are crucial for setting hearing aid maximum output.
- Existing procedures for LDL measurement are primarily validated for adults.
- Reliable LDL measurement in pediatric populations remains understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the test-retest reliability of a modified LDL measurement procedure in hearing-impaired children.
- To compare LDLs between hearing-impaired children and adults.
- To inform hearing aid fitting protocols for pediatric users.
Main Methods:
- A modified LDL measurement procedure was administered to 20 hearing-impaired children (ages 7-14).
- Test-retest reliability was assessed in a subset of 8 children.
- Pediatric LDL data were compared with data from 20 hearing-impaired adults.
Main Results:
- The modified procedure demonstrated reasonably reliable LDL measurements in children.
- No systematic differences were found in LDLs between the pediatric and adult groups.
- A poor correlation between LDLs and hearing levels was observed in both groups.
Conclusions:
- The modified LDL procedure is suitable for reliable measurement in school-aged children.
- Hearing aid maximum output levels appropriate for adults can be considered for children aged 7-14.
- Individualized LDL assessment is recommended due to poor correlation with hearing levels.