Participation of non-specialists in the detection of hearing loss in preschool children of a poor community

Author(s)

Mariana Szymanski Ribeiro Gomes

• Document type: Doctoral Thesis
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Medicina (FM/SBD)
• Defense date: 2004-09-30

Examining board members

Ida Lichtig; Mônica Cristina Andrade Bassetto; Maria Silvia Carnio; Dulce Maria Rosa Gualda; Marcia Faria Westphal

• Advisor: Ida Lichtig

Abstract

Aim: this study aimed to access the efficacy of a low cost instrument used by non professionals to identify hearing loss in pre-school children in a low income community. Methods: employees of a nursery school and a health unit were trained to use a hearing screening questionnaire with parents of 224 children aged 3 to 6 years. The children underwent audiological screening. Results: the results showed that the non - specialists were capable of reproducing the evaluation of the professional regarding the use of the questionnaire. The questionnaire presented better sensitivity than specificity. The non - specialists reported learning and awareness of the importance of hearing in children. Conclusion: the questionnaire offers a low cost option for hearing screening, specially if it is administered by non professionals resources (AU)