Evaluation of moderate sensorineural hearing loss in schoolage children

Abstract

Twenty-six children from six to 13 years of age with sensorineural hearing loss levels between 30and 70 dB were investigated. Parents initially noticed hearing loss and speech difficulties between one and 8 years of age, average five years. More severe hearing loss tended to be noticed at an earlier age. All 26 cases were advised to use a hearing aid but the parents of six of the children declined. The average of these six children was 43.1 dB, slightly below the 45 dB loudness level of ordinary conversation. The average of the 20 cases using hearing aids was 55.3 dB.
It was therefore assumed that the six children not using hearing aids had some difficulties in school.