Evaluation of Hearing for School Age Children in Urban Area of Egypt

Abstract

Introduction: Sense of hearing is essential for individual development especially during childhood. Its deprivation can have serious consequences on various aspects of normal development.Purpose: This study attempted to detect the incidence and causes of hearing loss among school age children, and management of these disorders in trial to provide all children with equal opportunities. Materials and methods: This study was a cross sectional that included all children 4 to 7years old in all primary schools in Quesna city, governorate of Menoufia, Egypt in the academic year 2014-2015. The study included otoscopic examination and two stages of school based hearing screening with time interval of 8 to 10 weeks between the two stages. Results: Otoscopic examination revealed (54.2% normal and 45.8% was abnormal). Twenty in percent failed 1st stage of school based hearing screening. More than half of those ears which failed 1st stage passed 2nd stage of hearing screening after medical intervention.Conclusions: Multistage screening program with adequate follow up services results in succession of it.