iHear: Canadian medical student based hearing assessment program for grade school children using a tablet audiometer
Deanna Lammers1, Adam Rocker2, David S Chan3
1Division of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada.
Summary
The iHear program effectively screened 753 children for hearing loss, identifying 11.4% with abnormal results. This initiative highlights the potential of medical students and tablet audiometry in addressing undetected pediatric hearing loss.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric audiology
- Public health initiatives
- Medical education
Background:
- Undetected hearing loss in Canadian grade school children is a significant public health concern.
- Existing hearing screening programs face challenges in reach and effectiveness.
- Early identification of hearing impairment is crucial for child development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the progress and challenges of the iHear hearing screening program.
- To determine the incidence of pediatric hearing loss in participating grade school children.
- To evaluate the role of medical students and novel technology in hearing assessment.
Main Methods:
- The iHear program utilized tablet audiometry for hearing assessments in grade 1 and 2 students over three years.
- Children with abnormal results were referred for audiology and/or otolaryngology evaluations.
- Medical students from the University of Ottawa were integral to program implementation.
Main Results:
- 753 children (ages 5-9) were screened; 11.4% showed abnormal results, leading to 92 referrals.
- Of those with follow-up, 16.9% were diagnosed with hearing loss or abnormal tympanometry.
- 32 children were lost to follow-up, indicating a challenge in the screening pathway.
Conclusions:
- The iHear program demonstrates a viable model for addressing gaps in pediatric hearing assessment.
- Medical students, using tablet audiometry, can effectively contribute to hearing screenings.
- The program enhanced medical student exposure to audiology and otolaryngology.
