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Application of visual reinforcement audiometry (VRA) to low-functioning children.
The Journal of Speech and Hearing Disorders
|February 1, 1979
Summary
Visual reinforcement audiometry (VRA) effectively assesses hearing sensitivity in low-functioning children aged 10 months and older. This audiological tool also shows potential for evaluating speech-sound discrimination abilities in infants.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Speech-Language Pathology
Background:
- Low-functioning children often present diagnostic challenges for hearing assessments.
- Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA) is a standard audiological assessment technique.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of VRA in assessing hearing sensitivity in low-functioning children.
- To explore the potential of a VRA variation for assessing speech-sound discrimination.
Main Methods:
- VRA was implemented with a group of low-functioning children in a clinical setting.
- Threshold assessments were conducted after verifying stimulus reinforcement value.
- A modified VRA approach was piloted for syllable-discrimination testing.
Main Results:
- VRA proved effective for children with developmental ages of approximately 10 months or higher.
- Based on VRA and tympanometry, 52% of participants were referred for medical evaluation.
- Pilot results suggest VRA's potential for speech-sound discrimination assessment.
Conclusions:
- VRA is a valuable tool for determining hearing sensitivity in young, low-functioning children.
- Further research into VRA for speech-sound discrimination is warranted.
- VRA findings contribute to audiological and medical referrals for pediatric populations.