OBJECTIVETo compare the loudness growth of normal hearing children and children with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) by the modified Contour test.

METHODSThe loudness growth function were obtained in 26 ears with normal hearing and 25 ears with SNHL using the modified Contour test. Retesting were carried out 2 or 3 weeks later after the initial test. The results were analyzed by the univariate analysis of variance.

RESULTSThere was significant difference in loudness growth between normal hearing group and groups with SNHL of different degrees (F = 1368.32, P < 0.001), and also between different loudness categories (F = 682.21, P < 0.001). Large differences were observed in the dynamic range between normal hearing children and children with sensorineural hearing loss (F = 214.26, P < 0.001). The following results were found in the loudness growth in children with SNHL: the more serious the hearing loss was, the more rapid the loudness growth and the smaller the dynamic range. The test-retest reliability of loudness growth function obtained in normal hearing and hearing-impaired group was highly correlated. The results of modified contour test showed good reliability.

CONCLUSIONSWhen fitting hearing aids for a child the result of individual loudness growth should be obtained as possible as it could be drawn to reach the best listening saturation for the child. The modified contour test was a vivid and easy-to-do test for children, also with good reliability. In order to fit hearing aids properly for children, it was worth applying the modified contour test in clinic.