PURPOSE: To investigate the auditory behavior of hearing infants with ages ranging from six to 24 months, on the aspects of evaluation length, minimum level of response and critical analysis of the method. METHODS: Thirty infants of both genders were divided in three age groups: Group I - 11 infants aged 6 to 11 months 29 days; Group II - 9 infants aged 12 to 17 months 29 days; Group III - 10 infants aged 18 to 24 months. Frequencies of 500, 1000, 2000 and 4000 Hz were bilaterally, non-consecutively evaluated in free field. RESULTS: The median of the minimum auditory level was 30 dB in all frequencies and groups. Groups I and III showed higher variability of minimum auditory levels, while Group II was more consistent. Group I needed more time to be conditioned, showing tiredness, excitement and short attention span, resulting in more interruptions during the test. Group III was less motivated to respond, since the technique of visual reinforcement is not so interesting at this age range, which makes the reinforcement even less exciting. These aspects do not make the procedure inadequate; however they require more experienced examiners. CONCLUSIONS: The method was efficient to the studied age range, not only as a screening procedure but also as a method to help the investigation of the minimum auditory level, in free field, during diagnostic process.
Auditory perception; Infant behavior; Diagnostic techniques; otological; Photic stimulation; Infant
