Universal auditory screening in a German state: a multidisciplinary project

Background. Despite many recommendations and obvious advantages universal a uditory screening in new-born children is only beginning to be implemented in the German health system. Method. We report on a multistage screening project based on otoacoustic em ission measurements. One of the major disadvantages of such programs is the comparatively low specificity of otoacoustic emission measurements which l eads to the need for a large number of remeasurements. Thus, the organisati on of follow up screening failures is one of the most important factors tha t influence the effectiveness of screening programs. An additional problem is a dropout rate which can be as high as 30% of the children that have to be retested. Results. In our program we tried to solve these problems by combining prima ry screening in maternity wards with retesting by paediatricians using the routine examinations of children (U3 and U4) that are done for almost 100% of German babies. In addition,the data from the children that were screened and that have to be screened are transferred to a central data management system. Conclusion. Using this system, the follow up of any individual child can be monitored until a hearing loss has been diagnosed or excluded. Therefore e arly therapy of children with impaired hearing is possible and psychologica l and social defects can be avoid.