Impedance screening. An integral part of hearing screening

Rationale is presented for including tympanometry as an integral part of all hearing screening programs. Impedance screening will yield more accurate screening results in the identification of middle ear disease than traditional hearing testing or otoscopic examination. Medical complications often result from unidentified otitis media which also contributes to speech, language, and educational delays in children. Although additional research information is needed on the significance of early identification of children with otitis media, it is argued that tympanometry will foster such research efforts, while providing improved identification and potential management of middle ear disease in screening programs.