Availability of audiological equipment and protocols for paediatric assessment and hearing aid fitting in Gauteng, South Africa

Accurate diagnosis and management of hearing loss (HL) is based on valid and accurate ear-specific and frequency-specific information. This is especially relevant as non-optimal hearing amplification as part of early hearing detection and intervention programmes may result in further delays in the speech and language development of children with HL. Audiological measures utilised may vary according to the age, cognitive ability and physical ability of the infant or child. It is therefore important to compare and critically evaluate current clinical practice in order to recommend guidelines for paediatric audiology in South Africa.