Hearing Test at School
The sense of hearing in children is critical for daily as well as academic function. Even a slight loss of hearing can result in poor reading and writing achievements, poor vocabulary, fatigue and difficulty in coping with the academic requirements. Therefore, early diagnosis is very important.
In the first grade, schools conduct hearing tests to identify hearing loss that may affect the general function of pupils as well as their academic achievements. The test is conducted shortly after the start of the school year to allow for treatment to begin as soon as possible.
Pupils who were absent on the day of the hearing test will take the test at another time in school, or at a nearby school, or at the completion centers (student health services that are largely given in the afternoon or during school vacations). A pupil who was not tested in the first grade will be tested the following year, in the second grade.
Testers
- A nurse who works in the student health services.
- Speech pathologist.
Course of the test and results
Before the test, pupils are given an explanation in class and can ask questions. The test measures the level of hearing by playing sounds at varying frequencies and decibels through a portable audiometer. The test is done in a well-lit, quiet room, where the privacy of students is protected. During the test, the pupils wear headphones, each time on a different ear. Weak sounds are played, and the pupils must raise a hand when they hear a sound.
- Normal result: if the pupil heard all the sounds.
- Abnormal result: if the pupil did not hear one or more sounds.
Once the test has been completed for all pupils, any pupil with abnormal results will be retested.
Updating the parents and continuing monitoring
- Report to parents: after the test, parents will receive a report on the results.
- Referral when necessary: if the result of the first test and of the retest is abnormal - the parents will receive a referral (in writing or by text message) to an Otorhinolaryngologist, who will refer them to a test at a hearing institute.
- Documentation: test results are documented at the Ministry of Health (but not sent to the HMO).
- Continued monitoring: the school nurse will make sure that the pupil has a hearing follow-up within two months from the date of the test at the school. The parents can also contact the nurse themselves to report the follow-up results. The results of the follow-up will also be recorded by the Ministry of Health.
Even if the result of the hearing test performed is normal, if the parents or the educational staff suspect that the pupil suffers from hearing loss - the parents will receive a referral for further medical testing.
Who is excluded from the hearing test
- Anyone who was previously diagnosed with hearing loss and uses a hearing aid or implant.
- Pupils in special education - will undergo a hearing test before entering the special education system.
- A pupil with discharge from the ear. The pupil will be referred to a physician and the test will take place at a different time.