BOA test is performed primarily as a subjective test of complementary test to the objective test (OAE, AI, ABR). It is performed in order to confirm the results of the research objective and in order to observe the child’s behavioral response to the given sound stimulu. Test involves administration of stimuli known to the child or adequate to the developmental age, ie. onomatopoeias, the sounds of musical instruments. It can also be used as an auditory reactions screening test. This test provides very important information for the hearing care professional, as in the case of the occurring and recurring reactions it shows the actual threshold of child’s hearing for a given frequency.
How is the BOA performed??
The examining doctor or the professional observes the child’s response on a given sound stimulus. Children under 1 year of age are examined on the changing table, which is placed in a calibrated free-field. From the speakers are sounds at a specific frequency and volume played, while the researcher observes characteristics, scope, intensity and frequency of the child’s responses. For older children, the test is carried out on the parent’s lap or unassisted on the chair / wheelchair / baby carrier.
