What type of behavior is observed during Behavior Observation Audiometry (BOA)?

During Behavior Observation Audiometry (BOA), the primary behaviors observed are often non-verbal responses, particularly those that indicate the presence of sound. This can include reactions such as eye widening, changes in facial expression, or reflexive behaviors like sucking. These responses are indicative of the child's awareness of sound and their ability to react to auditory stimuli in their environment.

Eye widening is a common response observed in infants as they notice a sound, reflecting surprise or curiosity, while the sucking reflex can demonstrate a state of comfort and attentiveness after hearing a sound. The goal of BOA is to assess the hearing ability of infants and young children who cannot provide verbal responses or actively participate in traditional audiometric testing.

Other responses, such as pointing or walking towards sound sources, are typically associated with older children who have developed the ability to understand and physically respond to auditory cues. Thus, the behavior observed during BOA is largely based on instinctive, non-verbal reactions, making eye widening and sucking reflex the correct response for this type of evaluation.