Whether you are delivering or receiving otoacoustic emissions (OAE) hearing screening training, there are ways to structure the experience so that all participants get the greatest possible benefit. The amount of time that a pediatric audiologist or skilled screener is available to interact with learners may be limited, so schedule training activities to use that time to best advantage. Hands-on practice time screening children also needs to be arranged at a time of day when children are likely to be cooperative (not tired or hungry).

The ECHO Initiative team would recommend the following as the optimal way to plan and carry out a training workshop:

Prior to Training Workshop:

Learners who will be trained to screen watch Video Tutorial Modules 1 - 8 to gain an initial understanding of the screening process. (Approximately 35 min. total viewing time.) These modules could be viewed on the day of training, but it is often a better use of a trainer's time to have learners complete this step in advance.   

Training Workshop:

(Suggested start time approximately 8:00 a.m. if screening activities with children will be carried out in the morning, prior to lunchtime/naptime, and all workshop activities are to be completed on a single day.)

1. Introduce participants; review key points from Video Tutorial Modules 1 - 8 using the Video Companion Handbook (45 min.)
2. Tour Implementation Tools so that participants become familiar with the range of resources available and where and how to access them (15 min.)
3. Demonstrate an OAE screening of an adult followed by guided practice where learners screen themselves and another adult using the Skills Checklist for OAE Screening and Practice Activity #1 (45 min.)
4. View/discuss Video Tutorial Module 9 - Strategies for Successful Screening. Also demonstrate how the OAE Screening Form will be used to record screening results (30 min.)
5. Practice screening children with a pediatric audiologist or skilled screener providing direct support and guidance to learners.  Learners can be encouraged to screen in teams with each having an opportunity to organize supplies and materials. Screen 4 or more children and record final screening results for each child on a Screening Form.  Debrief the experience as a group, review strategies that were successful and consider additional approaches that might be tried (90+ min.)
6. View/discuss Video Tutorial Module 10 - OAE Protocol in Detail. Determine how and when children not passing the OAE 1 screening will be scheduled for a subsequent OAE screening. Also review the referral protocol for children who may not pass the OAE 2 screening. Explain how the OAE Screening and Diagnostic Follow-up Forms help to guide the "next step" when follow-up is needed (30 min.)
7. Tour Implementation Tools - Share Results section
   (15 min.)
8. View/discuss Video Tutorial Module 11 - Track Screening Outcomes. Work through the specifics of how the program will collect screening data and track the progress of children to ensure follow-up and completion of the screening process. It may be valuable to have administrative and data staff present for this segment of the training and discussion
   (30 min.)
9. Conclude the Training Workshop, conduct a Knowledge Check and collect feedback on the learners' perceptions of the day's training experience. Discuss options for follow-up support and further technical assistance (15 min.)

This agenda can be adapted to fit individual program needs, but all information and activities should be incorporated into the overall training experience.