Sound Advice: Audiology

School Hearing Screenings: What to Expect

HOW are school hearing screenings completed?

• Several tones (frequencies) are presented through headphones
• The student may raise his/her hand or play a game
• For those unable to complete the standard task, other measures may be used
• Middle ear function (eardrum mobility) may also be checked using a quick test called tympanometry

WHAT are school hearing screenings?

• Quick tests used to identify individuals in need of further audiologic testing
• IC 20-34-3-14, Section 14.(a) states each school corporation is required to conduct periodic hearing screenings
• These are not comprehensive evaluations and do not diagnosis the presence of hearing loss

WHY do we need school hearing screenings?

• Close to 15% of school-age children exhibit some level/type of hearing loss
• Any degree of hearing loss can impact a child’s speech, language and academic performance

WHEN are school hearing screenings?

• Grades 1, 4, 7, and 10
• Hearing screenings should be completed when a new student transfers into the school corporation or if there are concerns regarding a possible hearing loss, regardless of the student’s grade

WHERE should school hearing screenings be completed?

• In a quiet area with minimal visual distractions
• Away from noisy cafeterias, gymnasiums, ventilation systems, or hallways
• A normal hearing individual should conduct a listening check 10 decibels below the screening level to ensure audibility over potential environmental noise

WHO performs school hearing screenings?

• Audiologists, speech-language pathologists, nurses or other specifically trained individuals
• Program managers who are unfamiliar with appropriate protocol or equipment should consult an audiologist

If notified that your child did not pass the hearing screening, have your child’s hearing evaluated by an audiologist as soon as possible. Share the results with your school.