Is a universal school entry hearing screen worthwhile?

Abstract

Objectives To assess the effectiveness of a universal school entry hearing screen (sweep audiogram). Methods Information was obtained from the audiology service and Community Child Health records, if available, for children who had an abnormality detected by the screen. Questionnaires were sent to general practitioners to enquire about the subsequent management. Results Of the 4501 children screened, an abnormality was detected in 227 children. The yield for new, clinically significant bilateral sensorineural hearing losses requiring aiding was nil, whereas that for new [i.e. previously unknown to the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) department], significant cases of conductive hearing loss requiring surgical management was 0.5%. The response rate from the questionnaire was 81.3%. Eighty children were referred to ENT with a range of hearing loss of 11–50 decibels (dBHL) better ear average. This resulted in surgical management in 52. Conclusion We found a small yield from the school entry screen, and, with a robust preschool service in place and effective reactive system for testing school age children, there may be justification for dismantling the school entry screen.