A. Hearing disorders of varying types are prevalent in the preschool population. Studies have reported that up to 80% of children attending day care centers may exhibit frequent ear infections and resulting hearing loss. A hearing screening program for the three (3) to five (5) year old population can assist in identifying the “at-risk” children.

B. The following guidelines apply when establishing an early childhood hearing screening program.

C. Children who fail the initial screening should be re-screened in two to four weeks, due to the many false results of hearing screening which occur at this young age. This second screening should be completed by individuals with increased knowledge of hearing loss. These may include school nurses, speech language pathologists, area services consultants for the hearing impaired, etc.

D. Failure of the second screening constitutes an automatic referral for consideration for Early Childhood Special Education Services. Prior to the referral conference, informal observation of the child should be conducted with attention to the following presenting characteristics. The area services consultant for the hearing impaired can provide assistance in this process.

E. If the referral conference decision is that the child is not experiencing developmental difficulties, the conference decision form should reflect that evaluation is not necessary at this time, but that the child's hearing will be screened annually.

F. If the referral conference decision is that the child is experiencing developmental difficulties, an evaluation is required, including an otological examination for a child with a history of frequent ear infections.