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Picture Yourself
as a Successful Screener!
The ECHO Initiative Staff and screeners from CA, OR, IN and UT recently shared a day devoted to improving Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) hearing screening skills.
We all want to give a whole-hearted "shout out" to our generous UT host site, the Davis/Morgan/Summit Head Start and Early Head Start Programs.
 During the February 17th training day, participants reviewed information on why hearing screening is so vital for young children and how OAE screening technology can help to identify children who are in need of audiological assessment and assistance.
After learning the basics about the technology, participants were ready for some lively "hands on" practice! We always recommend that new screeners start by learning to screen their own ears and then practice on a few other adults until they feel confident with  their ability to insert the probe and run the equipment. As a part of that practice, screeners are encouraged to experiment with how internal/external noise can interfere with the screening and to how to achieve the best probe fit to maximize success.
Participants  were then ready to test their screening and child management skills in "real life" screening situations. That's always the most challenging (but fun) part!!  Equally important, screeners also practiced documenting the results and learned how to implement a follow-up protocol for children who do not pass. Although we are always happy when children pass their hearing screen, we remember that our efforts are only successful if we follow, and help, those who need it.
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Has your program used our online
screener training resources ? Let us know at:
[email protected]
And, as always, share www.KidsHearing.org with anyone you think would benefit from our resources.
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