Comparison of Hearing Screening Protocols for Preschoolers, Infants, and Toddlers

Purpose: The purpose of this research was to compare the outcomes of two hearing screening protocols for preschoolers, toddlers, and infants: (1) Using only transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs); and (2) Using TEOAEs, immittance, otoscopy, and pure-tone screening. Method: This research consisted of a secondary data analysis of hearing screening results from 592 preschoolers, toddlers, and infants screened in Albany County, Wyoming. Data was collected by the Wyoming Early Hearing Detection and Intervention program and analyzed using the statistical software program SPSS 22. Results: Results of a Pearson chi-square analysis showed no significant difference between the two hearing screening protocols. Conclusion: There was no significant difference in sensitivity and specificity of the two hearing screening protocols. Using TEOAEs only is an efficient, low-cost hearing screening protocol that could maximize the early identification of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers with hearing loss and allow them the opportunity to benefit from early intervention