A Rationale for Strengthening Audiological Programs for the Mentally Retarded

Preoccupation with physical health or misconceptions concerning development of deviant mental processes have been responsible for the lack of significance attached to auditory dysfunctions. The problem is unfortunate, since audition is a fundamental faculty necessary for normal development of mental processes. Hearing impairment in early life can create speech and language impairment as a second order effect, and retardation and/or emotional disturbances as third order effects. Early identification and treatment of auditory impairments is of critical importance to prevent developmental disabilities. Audiometric test procedures appropriate for infants and "difficult" persons are described. HA