ECHO Initiative Events
New ECHO Webinars:
Next OAE Training
Web Class:
Four Sessions
:
Oct. 29th, Nov. 1st,
5th, and 8th, 2018
2p.m. EDT
Additional Training Opportunities:
Link to Previous
Recorded Webinars:
If you've missed any of
our previous webinars,
click here to access our library of previously
recorded webinars.
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I
f your program is new to OAE screening, or if you have added new staff who need instruction on OAE screening practices,
where staff can view instructional video modules
and access the
corresponding resources.
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Quick Links
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|  Find more helpful hints from previous issues of Probes and Tips and many other
resources at: www.kidshearing.org |
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Fall Is for Follow-up After
Hearing Screening
Many early care and education programs across the country have begun a new "school year" by providing annual hearing screenings to all infants, toddlers, and young children being served. Whether using the Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) or the Pure Tone Screening method, follow-up for children who do not pass the initial screening is essential.
An effective follow-up protocol includes these steps:
For any child not passing the initial screening on both ears, conduct a second screening in about 2 weeks. If the child passes and there are no hearing or language concerns, no further action is needed.
For any child not passing the second screening, the individual overseeing the hearing screening program will need to make a referral to the Health Care Provider (HCP) so that the child's outer and middle ear can be examined. Be sure to:
- Inform parents verbally and in writing that the child did not pass the screening and will therefore need to see the HCP. Convey clearly that the screening results do not mean that the child has a hearing loss, but they do indicate a potential problem that needs immediate attention. Help the parents set up an appointment and provide reminders as needed.
- Let the HCP know in writing why the child is being referred for a middle ear evaluation.
- After the evaluation, find out what the HCP's diagnosis and treatment plan is. Be aware that most HCPs will only be looking at the outer and middle ear and will probably NOT provide a hearing screening.
When any needed treatment has been completed, and the HCP indicates that the child's ears are clear, conduct a Rescreen. If the child passes and there are no hearing or language concerns, no further action is needed.
However, for any child not passing the Rescreen, a prompt referral to a Pediatric Audiologist must be made for a complete evaluation. Again, the individual coordinating the screening program will need to help parents make an appointment and also provide information to the Audiologist on the screening outcomes and the HCP's findings. After the audiological evaluation, it is essential to communicate with the Audiologist to find out if a permanent hearing loss is present and what additional services may be needed.
Remember that most children will pass the initial or the second hearing screening. To assist you with the small number of children who will need more intensive follow-up, the ECHO Initiative offers a range of practical resources to help. Simply go to the OAE Screening or the Pure Tone Screening page and scroll down through the Implementation Tools column to locate the specific tools that will help you to track each child's progress through the protocol and communicate effectively with other professionals and parents at each step along the way.
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Need any other help with follow-up
after hearing screening?
Let us know at:
And, as always, share
www.KidsHearing.org
with anyone you think would benefit from our resources.
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2615 Old Main Hill
Logan, UT 84322
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