Audiological Considerations for Managing Mild Bilateral or Unilateral Hearing Loss in Infants and Young Children

Purpose: This clinical focus article describes considerations for recommending assistive hearing technology to infants and young children who have mild bilateral or unilateral hearing loss. These conditions present special challenges compared to bilateral permanent hearing losses that are moderate to profound in their degree in that the recommendation to proceed with technology is not as clear. Conclusion: Current clinical practice guidelines and protocols for pediatric hearing aid fitting recommend managing these conditions on a case-by-case basis. Descriptions of key considerations for recommending assistive hearing technology for infants and young children with mild bilateral hearing loss or unilateral hearing loss are offered herein.