Otologic history, audiometry and tympanometry as a case finding procedure for school screening

An algorithm for identification of hearing loss and middle ear effusion based on otologic history, audiometry and tympanometry was designed and tested on 771 first grade school children. Each ear was profiled as being normal, at risk, or in need of otologic referral based on test-retest screening. In addition, each child was categorized on the basis of the worse ear. Results showed 57 percent of the children as being normal; otologic referral was indicated in 14 percent. The remaining children (29 percent) were at risk or at high risk. The combination of medical history, audiometry and tympanometry constitutes an excellent case finding procedure for screening the otologic status of young school children. Through the utilization of specific criteria, optimal referrals can be made, thereby providing better health care.