Evoked Response Audiometry in Mentally Retarded Children

Abstract

The auditory evoked responses of mentally retarded children were recorded using an averaging computer. As a preliminary step, several anesthetics were examined for effectiveness with these children. The combined use of chloral hydrate and chlorpromazine was shown to be most suitable, while sodium methohexital was found to be most useful for those who were observed to be extremely hyperactive. Although the minimal intensity for eliciting an evoked response was lower in older children, no difference in threshold was found among three different I.Q. classes. It is noteworthy that in children 5 to 10 years old there was a significant difference in peak latencies among three I.Q. classes, but that after 10 years of age the difference was not significant. In comparing the below-fives with over-fives (years of age), it appeared that age differences also affected peak latencies. Some of the mongoloid children showed huge responses.

Notes

This work was supported by the Medical Research Council of Canada and the Workmen's Compensation Board.