Critical view on audiometric screening in school.
After examination of the factors affecting the validity of audiometric tests in schools, screening programs are seen as having little value as a preventive measure because of their failure to reach their primary purpose, the early discovery of hearing loss and ear disease. The philosophy of screening is challenged and an approach of total prevention proposed that puts much more emphasis on primary prevention measures such as the control of determinants of ear disease and hearing loss in school-children.
D001299:Audiometry / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D003638:Deafness / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004427:Ear Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004777:Environment; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006040:Goals; D006801:Humans; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012423:Rural Health; D012574:Schools; D013997:Time Factors