Audiological diagnosis in pediatric age has mainly two aims: - to quantify hearing loss and identify the seat of the lesion
- to find out if hypoacusis is the cause of communicative disability and/or handicaps
Recent technological applications have enabled excellent levels of diagnostic reliability to be achieved even in non-collaborating children and at a very young age.
The instrumental assessment comprises four tests:
Behavioural audiometry is based on the observation of reactions provoked by acoustic stimulation which translate into behavioural changes in the young patient (e.g. Boel Test or eye orientation test).Impedance measuring assesses the functionality of the middle ear and consists of tympanometry and stapedial reflexometry.
Otoemissions are sounds generated by the outer ciliary cells either spontaneously or after acoustic stimulation and are detected by means of a microphone applied in the outer auditory canal. The otoemissions disappear even in mild conditions of hypoacusis. Being a fast and easy method, they are generally used as screening tests for newborns.
| ABR ( Auditory Brainstem Response) |
ABRs examine the function of the cochlea and retrocochlea structures, assessing transmission of the sound impulse along the auditory nerve
For a correct treatment, knowledge of the nature and seat of the lesion is essential.
