Which behavioural hearing assessment technique is most appropriate for a developmentally normal child aged 3 years?

• A Behavioural observation audiometry
• B Conventional speech audiometry with word lists
• C Standard manual pure tone audiometry with hand raising
• D Conditioned play audiometry ✓

Explanation

At about 2 to 5 years of age the child can be conditioned to perform a play task such as placing a block in a box each time a tone is heard, which yields reliable frequency-specific thresholds. Behavioural observation audiometry suits infants under 6 months, and conventional hand-raising pure tone audiometry generally needs a child of about 5 years or older who can sustain attention, ruling out A and C.

Reference: Dhingra Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 8th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.