A computer-based analytical speech perception test for early diagnosis has been developed. The test seeks to evaluate the ability to perceive a range of sound contrasts used in the Swedish language. The test is tailored for measurements with small children and low verbal children by using easy speech stimuli, words selected on the basis of familiarity, and pictures that represent the test items un- ambiguously. Prelingually hearing-impaired children with pure-tone averages worse than 90 dBm show very different results in the speech clinic. Their possibilities to develop intelligible speech have shown to be unrelated to their pure tone audiograms. The development of this test is an effort to find a screening method that can predict the ability to develop intelligible speech. The test is also intended to be used with small children, from 4 years of age, with difficulties to perceive and produce spoken language. The information gained from this test will hopefully provide supplementary information about speech perception skills, auditory awareness and speech intelligibility potentials and specify important recommendations for individualized speech-training programs.