Real ear measurements of hearing impaired children

ABSTRACT

In this study, 30 children of both sexes were selected to be examined for the evaluation of real ear measurements procedure in the selection of hearing aid for hearing impaired children. Two groups of children with moderate to severe and severe sensorineural hearing loss were evaluated by real ear measurements procedure [insertion gain] and functional gain methods. The actual insertion gain according to NAL formula was better than POGOII formula in providing the nearest match with the predicted insertion gain curve. Speech gain according to both NAL and POGOII formula was in a good correlation with insertion gain and functional gain. Both functional and insertion gain proved to be comparable methods in evaluating the selection process of hearing aid, however insertion gain is preferable in hearing impaired children as an objective and rapid procedure