Early discovery of hearing impairment: a critical evaluation of the BOEL test

The BOEL test was originally devised for the early discovery of communication disorders in infants. The sound stimuli employed for hearing testing have been calibrated and standardized and any deviation from normal hearing responses to these stimuli indicate a hearing impairment. Since 1971 the BOEL screening program has been applied experimentally in a number of child health centers in Stockholm. Up to 1975, more than 30 000 infants have been examined and approximately 5% have not responded fully regarding visual or tactile attention, auditory, motor or mental functions or social contact. The results of the audiological follow-up are reported. Application of the BOEL hearing subtest proved very effective. It is pointed out that the BOEL test covers not only hearing defects but also other communication malfunctions and as such it is a more useful technique than simple hearing screening methods.