Group Pure Tone Screening Test for Kindergartners

Abstract

Group pure tone screening test was performed on kindergartners to efficiently screen for hearing disorders. Pure tones of 500, 1000 and 4000 Hz in each ear were combined with a hand raising response. The test frequency of 500 Hz was added to screen for otitis media. About 80% of children over 3 years and 6 months of age were capable of taking the group screening test with hand raising response. At the same time, the ratio of children who could pass the screening test also increased considerably from 45.2% to 65.2%. Although we used 500 Hz to screen for otitis media, it was difficult to diagnose otitis media by hearing screening only. Therefore, hearing screening was mainly effective in determining moderate hearing loss and unilateral sensorineural hearing loss. We found that a well-planned screening procedure and preparation before the screening as well as decrease in the fail one rate on initial screening are necessary to examine large numbers of children rapidly and screen hearing disorders efficiently. © 1993, The Society of Practical Otolaryngology. All rights reserved.