Interpreting Audiologic Test Results and Using the Test Information to Plan Management

Key Points

• We establish degree of hearing loss not for its own sake, but to assist in selecting technology
• Whenever a test is used as part of diagnostic protocol, the validity and reliablity measures of the test are important because we are relying on the results of tests to determine technological and therapeutic managment
  
• All behavioral and electrophysiological audiolgic tests are valid only if we are using correct test protocols on the appropriate populations
  
• Validation of the hearing aid fitting is critical if we want to know what a child is actually hearing
  
• Children speak what and how they hear
  
• Interpreting audiologic test results includes estimating the child's performance outside of the test situation and making appropriate recommendations