Audiological diagnostics in children

In Germany the early detection of hearing impairments in children is still an unresolved problem and therefore still relevant for the pediatrician. Th ere are various practical and valid methods to detect hearing impairments i n children of every age group. The most important assessment methods are de scribed. On the basis of own data and literature sources the current situat ion in Germany is evaluated. It can be ascertained that the diagnosis of de afness at about 16 months still occurs at a very late timepoint and that pa rents are the first to suspect a hearing impairment. In each case of presum ed hearing impairment a specialized pediatric-audiological institution shou ld be involved and in particular attention should be paid to the parents' o bservations and comments. The introduction of a general newborn hearing-scr eening program would greatly improve the situation. For this reason the dem and for an area-wide screening should be realized as soon as possible.