How is sound perception primarily assessed in children using the COR method?

The COR method, or Conditioned Orientation Response, is primarily used to assess sound perception in children, particularly in those who may be too young or unable to provide verbal responses. This method relies on observing head movement responses. As a child hears a sound, they may turn their head toward the source, indicating their awareness of the sound. This reaction demonstrates their ability to perceive and localize auditory stimuli, which is essential in evaluating hearing capabilities.

Head movement serves as a critical behavioral indicator, especially for infants and toddlers, who cannot articulate their experiences or participate in traditional hearing tests. By tracking these movements in response to various sounds, audiologists can gain valuable insights into the child's hearing abilities, including whether they can detect sounds at different frequencies and volumes. Using head movements as a measurement helps to create a formative understanding of a child's auditory processing and responsiveness to environmental sounds.