Hearing Aid Signal Processing for Children: When and How to Use It

This article describes the general goals for applying the principles of evidence-based practice to clinical decision making, as applied to the selection of hearing aid signal processing for children with hearing loss. Two scenarios are considered: the case of using directional microphone hearing aids and the use of frequency lowering signal processing for mild to moderate losses. Neither situation is as simple as it seems. The evidence for each is reviewed, and questions to ask when applying each for individual children are presented, with discussion of advantages and disadvantages.