SERVICES
SCHOOL-BASED HEARING SCREENING

Hearing screening at schools is done to identify hearing loss that hinders children’s emotional, physical and social capabilities as well as their speech and language development. Early detection provides opportunities for remediation and an improvement in academic performance.

TEST SURROUNDINGS

The setting of a hearing test is critical to retrieve accurate results from the assessment. Also, screening must happen during school hours, away from ambient noise. A hearing screening room runs on an external power source, and an accessible work surface is essential.

SCREENING PROTOCOLS

By using a pure tone audiometer, screening can occur together with a supplementary test called tympanometry. Another procedure, Otoacoustic Emissions (OAEs), may also be conducted in line with a primary hearing screening. Screenings expose children to pure-tone frequencies at varying degrees from 1000-4000 Hz. Assessors mark 'pass' or 'fail' for different frequencies. In case of a fail for one or more frequencies, rescreening must be provided. For rescreening, the test is repeated.

Failing to hear a sound at different frequencies in both ears necessitates a diagnostic evaluation whereby the child is sent for a comprehensive assessment to determine the cause of the hearing loss.

SHARING INFORMATION AND CONSENT

Before screening can commence, the audiologist must receive written consent from all parents or guardians. Parents are made aware of all costs incurred, and their children's information remains confidential. The outcome of the hearing test is an indication of auditory response to acoustic stimuli at varying frequencies. Should the child fail a screening, the limitations of the test are noted, and in this case, rescreening is strongly recommended.

INFECTION PREVENTION

Headphones and earplugs are sterilised prior to use, and of course, all disposable probe-tips and otoscopic speculums are disinfected. Washing hands regularly remains a priority, especially when ear discharge is present.