Proposals and Research

ABSTRACT

Although questions remain concerning the impact of permanent unilateral hearing loss (UHL) and mild bilateral hearing loss (MBHL) on child development, there is nonetheless evidence that at least some children experience measurable problems, particularly at school age (e.g., grade retention; need for support services). After evidence-supported oral presentations and discussions among clinical experts during the 2005 National Workshop on Mild and Unilateral Hearing Loss, a series of recommendations was developed regarding (1) early identification (hearing screening), (2) audiologic assessment, (3) hearing technologies, and (4) early intervention needs of infants and young children with UHL and MBHL.

KEYWORDS

Unilateral hearing loss - mild bilateral hearing loss - newborn hearing screening - audiologic assessment - hearing technology - early intervention

REFERENCES

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1 For the purposes of the 2005 national workshop, the following definitions were adopted: MBHL was defined as a calculated or predicted average pure-tone air-conduction threshold at 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz between 20 and 40 dB hearing level (HL) (American National Standards Institute, 1996[4]) or pure-tone air-conduction thresholds greater than 25 dB HL at two or more frequencies above 2000 Hz (i.e., 3000, 4000, 6000, 8000 Hz) in both ears. UHL was defined as a calculated or predicted average pure-tone air-conduction threshold at 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz of any level greater than or equal to 20 dB HL or pure-tone air-conduction thresholds greater than 25 dB hearing loss at two or more frequencies above 2000 Hz in the affected ear with an average pure-tone air-conduction threshold in the good ear less than or equal to 15 dB HL (definitions were adapted from Bess et al[15]).