Comparative Evaluation of Three Screening Methods for Detection of Hearing Loss in School Children

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Abstract
Grade pupils (2404 in the 3d to 7th grades inclusive) were screened for hearing loss by a group fading numbers test, a group pure tone test ("old" Massachusetts Hearing Test), and an individual sweep check test. The screening tests used are descr. in some detail. Pupils failing either group test twice or the individual test once were given a pure tone threshold test. Pupils whose loss was verified by threshold testing were examined by an otologist. It was found that 118 children had a verified hearing loss, and medical or educational recommendations, or both, were made for 74 of this group. Pure tone techniques were significantly better screening devices than the group fading numbers test. Of the 2 pure tone techniques, the sweep check was the better case finder, but it required more than twice as much time to perform.