Hearing screening by community physicians in under-2 year-olds
1Service d'ORL et de chirurgie cervico-faciale, CHU d'Amiens, place Victor-Pauchet, 80000 Amiens, France.
Insights
Early detection of progressive hearing loss in children is crucial. Systematic screening for all young children, even after birth, is necessary for timely diagnosis and intervention.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Audiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Neonatal screening effectively reduces diagnosis age for congenital hearing loss.
- However, hearing loss can manifest or be detected after birth, necessitating further evaluation.
- Progressive and secondary postnatal hearing loss requires early identification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To emphasize the necessity of systematic hearing disorder screening in all children.
- To highlight the feasibility of community-based screening for bilateral hearing loss in young children.
- To advocate for timely referral and comprehensive audiometric assessment.
Main Methods:
- Community-based screening for children under two years old.
- Utilizing simple methods: parent interviews, clinical observation, and voice/toy-based acoumetry.
- Referral to ENT specialists for complete audiometric assessment upon suspected abnormality.
Main Results:
- Screening for bilateral hearing loss in under-2s is feasible using basic tools.
- Behavioral audiometry is a viable and essential diagnostic method for young children.
- Specialized examinations are required to reassure parents and confirm diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- Systematic screening for hearing disorders in all children is justified, regardless of initial screening results.
- Early diagnosis of postnatal hearing loss is critical for intervention.
- Comprehensive audiological assessment is essential for accurate diagnosis and parental reassurance.
Abstract:
The efficacy of neonatal screening in lowering age at diagnosis and treatment in congenital hearing loss should not mask the limitations due to the fact that hearing loss often appears or is detected after birth. Early diagnosis of secondary or progressive postnatal hearing loss is nevertheless necessary and justifies systematic screening of hearing disorder in all children seen in consultation, for whatever reason. Screening bilateral hearing loss in under-2 year-olds in a community context is feasible, using simple means: parent interview, clinical observation, and acoumetry using the voice and sound-emitting toys. In case of abnormality detected or suspected on screening, children of whatever age should be referred to an ENT specialist for complete audiometric assessment. Behavioural audiometry is feasible in very young children, and indispensable to diagnosis. The parents will only be reassured after specialized hearing examinations have been performed.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Preventive Healthcare Services
01:31Hearing