Abstract
Prior to auditory brainstem response (ABR) threshold determinations in 142 anaesthetized ‘difficult-to-test’ children, 125 had one or more behavioural auditory tests performed. We used the ABR thresholds as a basis and retrospectively analysed the case records in relation to some parental and behavioural auditory aspects. The accuracy of the parental opinion regarding hearing has been evaluated, and showed a relatively high rate of false-negatives (29%). In contrast, the presence of a hearing loss was correctly identified in 53%. The reliability of one or more standard behavioural auditory tests was poor in children with normal hearing, but in hearing impaired, there was agreement between ABR and behavioural results in more than 70% of cases. Median age at the ABR examination was 32 months. These and other results are discussed in view of the need to minimize diagnostic delay.