ABSTRACT
The use of amplification is the first and most important resource that should be used to minimize the negative impacts of hearing loss on language development and academic performance of hearing-impaired children. The process of selecting hearing aids in children must necessarily have some essential steps: (1) hearing evaluation; (2) hearing aid selection; (3) verification of amplification characteristics; (4) validation of the use of amplification; and (5) follow-up. It is not an easy task to test a child’s hearing. Different methods and techniques should be employed, depending on the age and level of development of the child to be evaluated. The selection of amplification refers to the process of choosing the hearing aid that will be tested in the child and subsequently evaluated. This selection should be based on existing audiological information, technical specifications and physical and electroacoustic characteristics of hearing aids. The primary aim of the verification stage of the fitting process is to determine the extent to which real-ear hearing instrument performance corresponds to the desired characteristics that have been selected for a given infant or young child. Validation should involve a multidimensional approach of evidence-based and clinically feasible subjective and objective outcome measurement tools appropriate for children of various ages and developmental levels. The purpose is to assess whether the speech signal is audible, clear and comfortable if the child resists interference noise present in situations of formal or informal learning. Hearing aids working properly are essential for the progress of the rehabilitation of hearing-impaired children. The purpose of the follow-up is, first, to enable the audiologist to keep control of the electroacoustic performance of the device, ensuring its perfect functioning, and well-adapted earmolds.
