Estimation of auditory sensitivity from the acoustic reflex with mentally deficient children

This study applied conventional pure-tone and/or speech audiometric screening, tympanometry, and acoustic reflex threshold (ART) testing to 33 mentally deficient children (I.Q. less than 25), who nevertheless exhibited ability to respond to conventional screening. The SPAR procedure (Jerger et al, J. Speech Hear. Dis., 1974, 39, 11-22) and bivariate plotting procedures (Margolis and Fox, J. Speech Hear. Res., 1977, 20, 241-253) were used to estimate hearing loss (normal, mild-moderate, severe) from ipsilateral and/or contralateral ART's to pure-tone and to broadband noise stimuli. Both techniques were found to be useful, the bivariate plotting procedure yielding somewhat more accurate estimates of hearing loss. However, caution was suggested when using these techniques with Ss who have passed traditional audiometric screening.