Behavioral methods in pediatric audiology: past, present, future

A pediatric audiologic test battery consisting of both behavioral conditioning approaches and electrophysiological techniques has been developed and refined during the past decade. At present, a high rate of success can be anticipated in identifying and describing various degrees, types and configurations of pediatric hearing loss. Further, progress has been seen in the development of a battery of materials which are linguistically appropriate for assessing the utilization of residual auditory function among young hearing-impaired children. It is obvious, however, that clinical research is still needed to assure expansion and refinement of existing materials and techniques used for discrimination testing. Further, methodology must be developed for objective analysis of a youngster's auditory response behaviors if additional handicapping conditions are to be identified at an early age. Finally, a major challenge in the future is to analyze through systematic clinical investigation the potential contribution that can accrue with the administration of central audiologic test procedures designed both to identify and to classify various auditory-based language and learning disabilities.