Abstract
BackgroundHearing deficits in children are demonstrably negatively associated with language acquisition and cognition. Although universal neonatal hearing screening exists, it is not offered equally across Canada. Additionally, children emigrating from other countries are often not assessed. The objective of this study is to evaluate Kids2Hear, a free hearing screening program run by medical students at elementary schools, and to determine the rate of hearing deficits that were identified and referred for evaluation.MethodsRetrospective analysis of screening program data from 228 participants seen at three inner-city elementary schools over six months.ResultsIn our sample, the mean age was 5.8 ± 1.0 years with 48 % males. Approximately 21 participants (9.3 %) were screened positive for a hearing deficit and required referral for supplementary audiological evaluation. About 44 participants (19.3 %) were referred to a family physician for otoscopic abnormalities. Females were significantly more likely to be identified for both hearing deficits and otoscopic abnormalities.ConclusionsHearing deficits and otoscopic abnormalities are common among young children. Female children may be at higher risk for developing hearing issues or otoscopic abnormalities compared to males. Additional research is needed to determine the effectiveness of hearing screening programs.
Highlights
Hearing deficits in children are demonstrably negatively associated with language acquisition and cognition
Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) programs in Canada are designed to be more comprehensive than a universal newborn hearing screening program and include all aspects of screening for hearing loss in infants, identifying hearing loss in those referred from screening, and intervention services in those with hearing deficits
The overall cohort consisted of 228 participants (48 % male) from three elementary schools in Toronto
Summary
Hearing deficits in children are demonstrably negatively associated with language acquisition and cognition. Failure to identify children with congenital or acquired hearing loss can result in lifelong consequences including deficits in speech and language acquisition, poor academic performance, poor cognition [1, 2], poor psychosocial skills [3, 4], underemployment, and psychological distress [5]. Most children with congenital hearing loss are identified by newborn hearing screening, some acquired or progressive hearing deficits may not be apparent until later in childhood [6]. Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) programs in Canada are designed to be more comprehensive than a universal newborn hearing screening program and include all aspects of screening for hearing loss in infants, identifying hearing loss in those referred from screening, and intervention services in those with hearing deficits.
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