School-age hearing screening outcomes: analysis of 24,258 students
Didem Şahin1, Yusuf Taşçı2, Gökçe Gültekin3
1Department of Audiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Üsküdar University, Istanbul, Türkiye. didem.sahin@uskudar.edu.tr.
None:
This study aimed to characterize the audiological profiles of first-grade primary school students in the Üsküdar district and to determine the prevalence of hearing impairments within this population. Additionally, the study sought to highlight the benefits of implementing a school-age hearing screening protocol. Between November 2023 and June 2025, a total of 24,258 first-grade students enrolled in 107 primary schools located in the Üsküdar district were reached, along with their families; however, the study proceeded with 15,073 students whose parents provided consent for hearing screening. Initial hearing screenings using audiometry were conducted within the schools. Children who failed the screening were referred for further evaluation, including pure-tone audiometry testing. Of the 15,073 students, 14,279 (94.7%) passed the screening, while 794 (5.3%) failed and were referred for advanced diagnostic evaluation. Of the referred students, only 358 (45.1%) completed the advanced diagnostic assessment. Among these evaluated children, hearing loss was confirmed in 156 students (43.6% of those assessed): 128 with bilateral hearing loss and 28 with unilateral hearing loss. Sensorineural hearing loss was detected in 9 children (5.8% of those with confirmed hearing loss), while conductive hearing loss was identified in 147 children (94.2%).
Conclusion:
In school-age hearing screenings, approximately 3 out of every 100 children fail the screening test, and 1 out of every 5 children who fail the test is ultimately diagnosed with hearing loss. Increasing awareness, promoting related research, and educating families are essential for the early detection and treatment of hearing loss.
What Is Known:
• In many countries, hearing screenings for school-aged children are routinely conducted in accordance with established protocols. • The prevalence of hearing loss identified through school-age hearing screening is higher than the rate determined through newborn hearing screening.
What Is New:
• The large difference between the number of children reached and the number of children screened has been associated with the low level of public awareness regarding hearing loss and its effects. • The need to include preschool screening programs in hearing screening protocols nationwide in Turkiye has become evident.
