Module 11 Learning Responses - Early Detection

1. In a paragraph of 100 words or less, describe the BC Early Hearing Program (25 points)
The BC Early Hearing Program (BCEHP) is a province-wide program, that
screens the hearing of babies born in BC. In 2009, all of the screening programs were in
place. The main objectives of the program are: screening all newborn babies hearing;
diagnostic assessments; providing hearing aids; and family support for families with deaf
or hard of hearing (DHH) babies. This program supports early screening, as well as early
intervention for babies who fail their screening, and are diagnosed with hearing loss.
Early screening allows for babies to have a hearing loss detected, allowing them to have
access to early interventions.
2. In a paragraph of 50 words or less explain types of screening equipment/testing used for
newborns in this program. (15 points)
Two screening methods are used in the BCEHP: Automated Otoacoustic
Emissions (AOAE) and Automated Auditory Brainstem Response (AABR). The AOAE
measures the sound waves emitted by the outer hair cells in the cochlea. The AABR uses
electrodes, and measures the neural responses from the auditory nerve and brainstems.
3. Outline key problems and possible solutions for the director of a hearing screening
program. (10 points)
A director of a hearing screening program will need to make decisions about the
program. For a screening program to be successful, the director needs to make sure there
are involved stakeholders to support the program. The director needs to ensure that
phsyicians and nurses are convinced of the importance of the newborn screening
program, so they will follow screening protocals, and make sure all infants are screened.
The director also needs to decide which equipment and test protocals should be used.
There are so many options, that making a decision about this can lead to slow
implementation. The director should devote time talking to directors and professionals
who have worked with a variety of methods, and make a choice best for the hospital.
Decisions about technology and test protocols can always be adjusted.
4. Write a letter to teachers explaining who they might refer for hearing screening. (15
points)
To whom it may concern,
I am a Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and I wanted to write you a brief
letter about referrals. As you know, some students with hearing loss may not be
successfully diagnosed prior to entering school. As a classroom teacher, you have an
important role interacting with students, and you may discover a child with an
undiagnosed hearing loss. If children have a hearing loss that is not diagnosed or treated,
they can be at risk for many academic, social and language problems. I wanted to explain
which students should be refered for hearing screening:
New students with no hearing screening records
Students who have failed a grade

Students with a family history of hearing loss

Students with an ear infection lasting 3 months
Students with craniofacial anomalies
Students with parents who suspect a hearing loss
Students who do not respond to questions
Students who imitate what others are doing
Students who speak differently from their peers, with speech/articulation
issues
Students who do not understand what others are saying
Anytime you have a suspicion that a student may have a hearing loss, regardless of how
minor, you should refer them to have a hearing screening.
With your continued work, we will be able to diagnose, and treat our students.
Thank you!
5. Paragraph on the advantages of screening and early intervention
Newborn hearing screening programs allow all children in BC to receive hearing
screening, and ensure that all infants receive the same level of hearing screening. The hearing
screening increases the number of infants that are successfully diagnosed with a hearing loss,
very early in their lives. If children have hearing losses that are undetected throughout their early
childhood, they are at a much higher risk of having problems acquiring and developing language.
If a child is unable to access language (because they cannot hear, or because they have not been
exposed to sign language), they are at a disadvantage early screening programs make hearing
losses not go undetected. If an infant is found to have a hearing loss, they can be fit with a
hearing aid, implanted with cochlear implant, or exposed to alternative languages (ASL). All
children need access to language early in life, the early hearing programs, with screening and
interventions, allow this.