School-Based Hearing Conservation Programs for Children and Adolescents: A Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Audiology
• Public Health
• Pediatric Health

Background:

• School-based hearing conservation programs (HCPs) are crucial for protecting children's hearing.
• Understanding effective components of HCPs is essential for program development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review of key elements in school-based HCPs for children and adolescents.
• To identify intervention components, delivery strategies, outcome measures, and results of existing programs.

Main Methods:

• Searched four bibliographic databases following PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines.
• Included seven studies after screening titles, abstracts, and full texts.

Main Results:

• Interventions often used health behavior theories, delivered in classrooms by researchers.
• Most programs had 1-2 sessions (<60 min) with varied delivery methods and questionnaire-based outcomes.
• Older students exhibited more resistance to behavior change.

Conclusions:

• Program effectiveness is linked to multiple, repeated sessions, diverse delivery methods, and long-term follow-up.
• Early intervention is vital, as younger children show superior long-term retention compared to adolescents.