Audiologische Diagnostik bei Kindern

In Germany the early detection of hearing impairments in children is still an unresolved problem and therefore still relevant for the pediatrician. There are various practical and valid methods to detect hearing impairments in children of every age group. The most important assessment methods are described. On the basis of own data and literature sources the current situation in Germany is evaluated. It can be ascertained that the diagnosis of deafness at about 16 months still occurs at a very late timepoint and that parents are the first to suspect a hearing impairment. In each case of presumed hearing impairment a specialized pediatric-audiological institution should be involved and in particular attention should be paid to the parents' observations and comments. The introduction of a general newborn hearing-screening program would greatly improve the situation. For this reason the demand for an area-wide screening should be realized as soon as possible.