Efficiency of subjective audiometry in children up to the third year of age

After a discussion of possible methods for measuring the hearing of infants, we present a more appropriate method which we have developed and used over a number of years. The method applied is called "sound orientation audiometry" and is based on the readiness of infants to seek out the sources of sounds. As the infants are observed by means of a one-way mirror, no distraction is possible. In the light of our experience, the proof of intentional application is most favorable when the infants are 5-6 months or 3-4 years old. The application threshold is at 40-50 dB SPL. The results gained by this measuring method are compared wtih sound threshold audiometric results gained 4-9 years after the first examination. Judging from the evaluation, we can see a good correlation of the measuring results obtained by sound orientation audiometry during the first examination with audiometric hearing loss values determined later. The correlation coefficient of the group examined is r = 0.77. The procedure is being discussed as to its value and is considered especially valuable because the whole auditory apparatus as far as the central auditory center is under control. This method is clinically appropriate without much expenditure and may be applied at any time.