[Evoked response audiometry in pediatric audiology].

Since we know that maturation of the hearing system occurs within the first few weeks after birth, audiologic testing should be performed as soon as possible whenever there is the slightest suspicion of a hearing disorder. The only reliable test method in this early period of life is the electric response audiometry. To use the advantages of this objective test method, several criteria must be observed. The most important of these are: 1. good sedation, 2. sufficient test routine comprising not only clicks but also 500 Hz pulses and bone-conducted stimuli, and 3. sufficient experience in the interpretation of the various recorded response patterns. Comparing subjective and objective results in 533 children, the ERA proves to be the more reliable and effective method giving extensive information on the hearing threshold and the dynamic response of audition and allowing an exact control and correction of the hearing aid adjustment.