Screening for hearing loss in early childhood programs

Abstract

This study assessed the feasibility of doing hearing screening in Migrant, American Indian and Early Head Start programs using otoacoustic emissions (OAE) technology. Staff members were trained to screen 0-3-year-old children for hearing loss using handheld OAE equipment and a multi-step screening and referral protocol. Of the 3486 children screened as a part of the study, 77% passed an OAE screening at the first step, 18% more passed an OAE screening at the second step, and 5% were ultimately referred for medical or audiological follow-up. Eighty children were identified as having a hearing loss or disorder of the outer, middle or inner ear requiring treatment. Of these 80, six had permanent bilateral or unilateral hearing loss. Although the protocol suggested that the multi-step screening procedure should be completed within a 4-week time period or less, analysis of the data showed that for children requiring more than an initial OAE screening, the length of time over which the screening was completed ranged from 7 to 12 weeks. The median time required to complete a single OAE screening session was 4 minutes per child. The results demonstrate that OAE screening of young children using this protocol is practical and effective. The implications for conducting periodic hearing screening throughout early childhood are discussed.

Timeliness of Service Delivery for Children With Later-Identified Mild-to-Severe Hearing Loss

“…It is feasible to effectively screen for hearing loss in toddlers and preschoolers after the neonatal period, by relying on otoacoustic emissions (OAE) technology in combination with a multistep protocol (Eiserman, Hartel, et al, 2008). Studies involving children in Head Start programs demonstrate the feasibility of screening young children using such a protocol (Eiserman et al, 2007). Our recommendation is that similar protocols be implemented in other early childhood programs, such as individual states’ Part C programs, in order to detect childhood hearing loss earlier.…”

Using otoacoustic emissions to screen for hearing loss in early childhood care settings

“…Standardized procedures and manuals were used to train all screeners in performing OAE screening and adhering to a follow-up protocol [17]. Children with no follow-up data after 6 months were categorized as exiting the study.…”

Bess and Hearing Screening: Portending the Challenges in Children

“…In a study of hearing screening in the preschool population using OAEs, Eiserman et al 38 screened 3486 children, 0 to 3 years of age, enrolled in early childhood programs. As a result of the hearing screening, six children were identified with permanent bilateral or unilateral hearing loss.…”