2025 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference
March 9-11, 2025 • Pittsburgh, PA
DAVID L. LAWRENCE CONVENTION CENTER
| Gatekeeper for Children with Delayed-onset Hearing Loss: Standardizing Clinical Guidelines for Preschool Hearing Screening
Gatekeeper for Children with Delayed-onset Hearing Loss: Standardizing Clinical Guidelines for Preschool Hearing Screening
Taiwan has implemented hearing screening for preschool children since 1995. However, following the adoption of universal newborn hearing screening in 2012, resources allocated for preschool hearing screening have significantly diminished. Data consistently show that the incidence of hearing loss among preschool-aged children is significantly higher than that among newborns, emphasizing the continuous need for preschool hearing screening. To address this gap, the Children’s Hearing Foundation (CHF) initiated a project in 2023 to standardize the preschool hearing screening procedure.
Upon reviewing existing screening databases, we identified two main issues: (1) certain counties do not conduct screenings regularly; and (2) for those that do, there are inconsistencies in target populations and screening standards. To address these issues, we developed the 'Guidelines for Preschool Hearing Screening,' which highlights the importance of maintaining hearing screening for preschool-aged children. The guideline provides detailed recommendations on implementation models, equipment specifications, and standardized procedures. In addition, it offers solutions to common challenges encountered during screening and outlines steps for follow-up diagnosis and management. Our goal is to establish a standardized framework that delivers comprehensive guidance for families, educational institutions, and health authorities.
During guideline development process, CHF also collaborates with 8 different counties to carry out hearing screening training programs for the screeners, including on-site observations and supervision. In addition, we offer hearing management strategies for early interventionists. This will ensure timely detection, diagnosis, and management of hearing loss in preschool-aged children, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness of preventive programs, improving intervention efficacy, and promoting a robust child hearing health policy.
- Discuss the importance of preschool hearing screening in current policy gaps.
- Implement the preschool hearing screening guidelines, including standardized procedures, equipment specifications, and strategies to resolve common challenges.
- Provide resource ideas for follow-up care and support services, using Taiwan as an example.
Presentation:
3545975_18127Tzu-YiWang.pdf
Handouts:
Handout is not Available
Transcripts:
CART transcripts are NOT YET available, but will be posted shortly after the conference
Presenters/Authors
Tsung-hui Yang
(Author), Children's Hearing Foundation , tsunghuiyang@chfn.org.tw;
Tsung-hui Yang received her bachelor's degree in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology from Chung Shan Medical University, Taiwan, in 2007. She then enrolled at the Institute of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology at National Kaohsiung Normal University, Taiwan. After completing all of her credits, she worked as a clinical audiologist at the Otorhinolaryngology Department of Chung Shan Medical University Hospital for over two years. She later returned to campus to obtain her master's degree in early 2013. After that, she joined the Children’s Hearing Foundation as a pediatric audiologist. She is currently a clinical supervisor in the audiology department and also serves as the chairperson of the Kaohsiung Audiologists Association without compensation.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
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Tzu-Yi Wang
(Primary Presenter,Author), Children's Hearing Foundation, tzuyiwang@chfn.org.tw;
Tzu-Yi Wang received the bachelor's degree in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology at Mackay Medical College, Taiwan, in 2022. She is currently a pediatric audiologist at Children's Hearing Foundation, specializing in diagnostic audiology and hearing aid fitting.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
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No relevant financial relationship exists.
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No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
AAA DISCLOSURE:
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No relevant financial relationship exists.
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No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
Shang-Wei Wesley Huang
(Author,Co-Author), Children's Hearing Foundation, shangwei.huang.24@ucl.ac.uk;
Shang-Wei Wesley Huang received his bachalor's degree in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology from National Taipei university of nursing and health science, Taiwan, in 2021. He worked as a pediatric audiologist at Children's Hearing Foundation from 2021 to 2024. He is currently pursuing master degree in Advanced Audiology in Ear Institute, University College London.
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Grace Su-Feng Lin
(Co-Author), Children's Hearing Foundation , grace@chfn.org.tw;
Grace Su-Feng Lin graduated from the University of Queensland in 1996 with a postgraduate diploma in Audiology. She began her Audiology career at the Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Department of Singapore General Hospital, where she worked from 1997 to 1999. After returning to Australia, she worked part-time as a clinical audiologist at Princess Alexandra Hospital until 2000. In 2001, Grace returned to Taiwan to join the Children’s Hearing Foundation (CHF) as a pediatric audiologist. She became the Director of Audiology in 2002, serving until 2007, and resumed the role in 2020. Throughout her tenure, she has continued to work as a pediatric audiologist at CHF, specializing in diagnostic audiology, hearing aid fitting, and cochlear implant.
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Ying-Chuan Julie Ma
(Co-Author), Children's Hearing Foundation, juliema@chfn.org.tw;
Dr. Ying-Chuan Julie Ma earned her Master’s degree in Audiology from the University of Auckland, New Zealand, in early 2004. Following two years of clinical practice in a public hospital in Auckland, she transitioned to the Children’s Hearing Foundation in Taipei, Taiwan, in late 2005. Initially appointed as a pediatric audiologist, her expertise and leadership led to her promotion as Director of the Audiology Department in 2008. While advancing her career, Dr. Ma pursued an AuD program via distance learning at Salus University, obtaining her Doctor of Audiology degree in 2010. With nearly two decades of pediatric audiology experience, Dr. Ma works closely with Auditory-Verbal Therapists (AVTs), ensuring seamless collaboration in patient care. She also contributes significantly to academic development, teaching clinical audiology courses at Mackay Medical College and Chung Yuan Christian University. Additionally, she serves as a clinical supervisor for various audiology training programs. Dr. Ma’s clinical expertise covers a broad spectrum, including diagnostic audiology, hearing aid fittings, cochlear implants, and pediatric auditory rehabilitation. Her dedication to the field has positioned her as a key figure in advancing audiological care for children.
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