Studies on Application of Hearing Aids in Young Children

For the purpose of determining standard use of hearing aids by young children, a series of investigations regarding the models, the range of frequency response characteristics and the volume control of hearing aids were conducted on 22 sensorineural hearing impaired children who were skilful user of hearing aids and whose age ranged from eight to fourteen years. The results obtained are briefly summarized in the following. 1. If the average hearing levels in speech range are not worse than 80dB, hearing aids in Japanese make (R Co.) may be helpful, but U. S. make (Z Co.) are more helpful for those children. 2. Type of broad frequency response characteristics (300-4000cps) is more suitable than narrow (500-4000cps) for those hearing impaired children. 3. In respect of volume control, comfortable level setting for normal ear is suitable even to those with impaired hearing. 4. To obtain good speech discrimination by hearing aid, input sound level must be set as high as 70-80dB (P0=0.000204 dyne/cm2).