Studies in pediatric hearing loss at the House Research Institute.

Three clinical research projects are described that are relevant to pediatric hearing loss. The three projects fall into two distinct areas. The first area emphasizes clinical studies that track developmental outcomes in children with hearing loss; one project is specific to cochlear implants and the other to hearing aids.

Assessing speech pattern contrast perception in infants: early results on VRASPAC.

Objective: To assess perception of specific speech pattern contrasts in infants with normal hearing (NH) and infants with sensorineural hearing loss (HL).

Study Design: Prospective longitudinal and cross-sectional study.

Setting: Tertiary referral center.

Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions: A Tool for Hearing Assessment and Scientific Study.

Distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) reflect outer hnir cell integrity and cochlear function. When used appropriately in the audiology clinic, they are an effective diagnostic tool and can detect hearing loss with accuracy. DPOAEs are easily and rapidly recorded in newborns and children, and provide basic hearing screening information as well as detailed diagnostic information in cases of suspected hearing loss.