**2.3 Data collection procedures**

Data from HL and normative groups were collected in the clinics. For the normative group the data were collected in their houses and/or at the children's schools. After the consent of the respondent the mothers signed an Informed Consent. The interviews were conducted according to a specific set of procedures. The answers were recorded for further categorization.

### **2.4 Treatment procedures and data analysis**

Data were computed according to the given information and organized into previously reported categories. Comparisons were made between hearing loss and normative groups (*t Student Test*).
