Hearing Screening
Hearing screening is the most practical approach to identifying children needing professional services. Early identification and treatment can prevent or alleviate many of the problems that result from impaired hearing.
The MDH hearing screening recommendations found on this website are for screening children after the newborn hearing screening period (i.e., two months through 20 years). In addition to resources found on these MDH webpages, screening programs may refer to the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Guidelines for Hearing Screening After the Newborn Period to Kindergarten Age (PDF). These guidelines provide tools for health history and hearing screening procedures, including pure tone audiometry, otoacoustic emissions screening, and tympanometry.
Hearing Screening Training Manual
The Hearing Screening Training Manual (PDF) is available for download for additional information or printing. Key portions of the manual are highlighted on the left side of this webpage. References for this document are only available in the downloadable version, not on the webpages.
Hearing and Hearing Loss Defined
Normal Hearing
A person with normal hearing should be able to hear volumes as low as -10dB to 15dB and frequencies of 250 through 8000 Hz.
Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is when the softest or lowest decibel (16dB or more) someone can hear is louder than the sound (0 to 15dB) someone with normal hearing can hear. Refer to the Degree and Effects of Hearing Loss (PDF).
Types of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is either conductive or sensorineural and, depending upon the location of the loss, can be in the external, middle, or inner ear.
- Conductive Hearing Loss
- Sensorineural Hearing Loss
- Combined Hearing Loss
For more information on hearing, how sound is defined, and causes and effects of hearing loss, refer to the Hearing Screening Manual (PDF).