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Helpful Hints for Successful Screening
One of the most commonly asked questions is, "What can I do when a child is difficult to screen?"
Here are just a few suggestions offered by a variety of screeners from Early Head Start programs conducting Otoacoustic Emissions hearing screening: |  |
- I make sure the child has eaten before the screening.
- We use quiet toys, like the light globe spinner, that capture the child's attention.
- I use the rabbit and mice puppets, telling the child they are shy and we must sit very still before they will come out. I test the puppet's ears before the child's.
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- We have found that screening timid children right amongst their friends is less threatening for them and yields successful results.
- We are familiar with the children and their personalities, and find that screening less frightened children first will eliminate the fear of being tested in other children, making them more cooperative.
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- If there is an older sibling, I test their ears first.
- I prefer to screen toddlers and infants while they are sleeping.
- One of the strategies that works best for me is to have the teacher sit beside the toddlers or to have them hold the infants in their arms.
- I use the parent as a model, telling the child that what
we are going to do is fun and exciting--listen to the "music" or the "birds." I have the parents make a big
"ah" about it!
- Some children benefit from advance preparation and
I've had home visitors show them on their dolls before
I arrive.
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We've incorporated these and other suggestions into a new Helpful Hints resource on KidsHearing.org. Our goal is to help you to have the same positive experience described by this screener: "My success rate has significantly increased from when I first started screening. I think just being confident helps tremendously. Overall, I'm at ease with children and can think on my feet and adjust my 'style' to each individual."
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How have your screening experiences changed and improved over time? Let us know at:
echo.ncham@usu.edu
And, as always, please share www.KidsHearing.org with anyone you think would benefit from our resources.
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