The Experts below are selected from a list of 52125 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform

Jan Wouters - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • School age hearing screening based on speech in noise perception using the digit triplet test
    Ear and Hearing, 2018
    Co-Authors: Sam Denys, Michael Hofmann, Heleen Luts, Cecile Guerin, Ann Keymeulen, Katelijne Van Hoeck, Astrid Van Wieringen, Karel Hoppenbrouwers, Jan Wouters
    Abstract:

    OBJECTIVES This study aims to investigate the large-scale applicability of the Digit Triplet test (DTT) for School-age hearing screening in fifth grade elementary (5E) (9 to 12 years old) and third grade secondary (3S) (13 to 16 years old) School children. The reliability of the test is investigated as well as whether pass/fail criteria need to be corrected for training and/or age, and whether these criteria have to be refined with respect to referral rates and pure-tone audiometry results. DESIGN Eleven School Health Service centers participated in the region of Flanders (the Northern part of Belgium). Pure-tone screening tests, which are commonly used for hearing screening in School children, were replaced by the DTT. Initial pass/fail criteria were determined. Children with speech reception thresholds (SRT) of -7.2 dB signal to noise ratio (SNR) (5E) and -8.3 dB SNR (3S) or worse were referred for an audiogram and follow-up. In total, n = 3412 (5E) and n = 3617 (3S) children participated. RESULTS Population SRTs (±2 SD) were -9.8 (±1.8) dB SNR (5E) and -10.5 (±1.6) dB SNR (3S), and do not need correction for training and/or age. Whereas grade-specific pass/fail criteria are more appropriate, a linear regression analysis showed an improvement of 0.2 dB per year of the SRT until late adolescence. SRTs could be estimated with a within-measurement reliability of 0.6 dB. Test duration was also grade-dependent, and was 6 min 50 sec (SD = 61 sec) (5E) and 5 min 45 sec (SD = 49 sec) (3S) on average for both ears. The SRT, test reliability, and test duration were comparable across centers. With initial cut-off values, 2.9% (5E) and 3.5% (3S) of children were referred. Based on audiograms of n = 39 (5E) and n = 59 (3S) children, the diagnostic accuracy of the DTT was assessed. A peripheral hearing loss was detected in 31% (5E) and 53% (3S) of the referred children. Hearing losses found were mild. Less strict pass/fail criteria increased the diagnostic accuracy. Optimal pass/fail criteria were determined at -6.5 dB SNR (5E) and -8.1 dB SNR (3S). With these criteria, referral rates dropped to 1.3% (5E) and 2.4% (3S). CONCLUSIONS The DTT has been implemented as the new hearing screening methodology in the Flemish School-age hearing screening program. Based on the results of this study, pass/fail criteria were determined and optimized to be used for systematic hearing screening of 5E and 3S School children. Furthermore, this study provides reference values for the DTT in children 9 to 16 years of age. Reliable SRTs can be obtained with the test, allowing accurate monitoring of hearing over time. This is important in the context of a screening guideline, which aims to identify children with noise-induced hearing loss. Validation of the screening result should go beyond taking an audiogram, as a peripheral hearing impairment cannot always be found in children with a failed test.

Sam Denys - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • School age hearing screening based on speech in noise perception using the digit triplet test
    Ear and Hearing, 2018
    Co-Authors: Sam Denys, Michael Hofmann, Heleen Luts, Cecile Guerin, Ann Keymeulen, Katelijne Van Hoeck, Astrid Van Wieringen, Karel Hoppenbrouwers, Jan Wouters
    Abstract:

    OBJECTIVES This study aims to investigate the large-scale applicability of the Digit Triplet test (DTT) for School-age hearing screening in fifth grade elementary (5E) (9 to 12 years old) and third grade secondary (3S) (13 to 16 years old) School children. The reliability of the test is investigated as well as whether pass/fail criteria need to be corrected for training and/or age, and whether these criteria have to be refined with respect to referral rates and pure-tone audiometry results. DESIGN Eleven School Health Service centers participated in the region of Flanders (the Northern part of Belgium). Pure-tone screening tests, which are commonly used for hearing screening in School children, were replaced by the DTT. Initial pass/fail criteria were determined. Children with speech reception thresholds (SRT) of -7.2 dB signal to noise ratio (SNR) (5E) and -8.3 dB SNR (3S) or worse were referred for an audiogram and follow-up. In total, n = 3412 (5E) and n = 3617 (3S) children participated. RESULTS Population SRTs (±2 SD) were -9.8 (±1.8) dB SNR (5E) and -10.5 (±1.6) dB SNR (3S), and do not need correction for training and/or age. Whereas grade-specific pass/fail criteria are more appropriate, a linear regression analysis showed an improvement of 0.2 dB per year of the SRT until late adolescence. SRTs could be estimated with a within-measurement reliability of 0.6 dB. Test duration was also grade-dependent, and was 6 min 50 sec (SD = 61 sec) (5E) and 5 min 45 sec (SD = 49 sec) (3S) on average for both ears. The SRT, test reliability, and test duration were comparable across centers. With initial cut-off values, 2.9% (5E) and 3.5% (3S) of children were referred. Based on audiograms of n = 39 (5E) and n = 59 (3S) children, the diagnostic accuracy of the DTT was assessed. A peripheral hearing loss was detected in 31% (5E) and 53% (3S) of the referred children. Hearing losses found were mild. Less strict pass/fail criteria increased the diagnostic accuracy. Optimal pass/fail criteria were determined at -6.5 dB SNR (5E) and -8.1 dB SNR (3S). With these criteria, referral rates dropped to 1.3% (5E) and 2.4% (3S). CONCLUSIONS The DTT has been implemented as the new hearing screening methodology in the Flemish School-age hearing screening program. Based on the results of this study, pass/fail criteria were determined and optimized to be used for systematic hearing screening of 5E and 3S School children. Furthermore, this study provides reference values for the DTT in children 9 to 16 years of age. Reliable SRTs can be obtained with the test, allowing accurate monitoring of hearing over time. This is important in the context of a screening guideline, which aims to identify children with noise-induced hearing loss. Validation of the screening result should go beyond taking an audiogram, as a peripheral hearing impairment cannot always be found in children with a failed test.

Martin H Ritchie - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • elementary School parents guardians perceptions of School Health Service personnel and the Services they provide
    Journal of School Health, 2007
    Co-Authors: Gregg Kirchofer, Susan K Telljohann, James H Price, Joseph A Dake, Martin H Ritchie
    Abstract:

    BACKGROUND: The School nurse, the School social worker, and the School counselor play an important role in promoting the Health of children. Health Services in the School setting provide opportunities to appraise, protect, and promote student Health. The purpose of this study was to identify parents' or caregivers' perceptions and beliefs regarding the importance of Schools providing various Health Services to their elementary School-aged children. In addition, the study examined the levels of parental support for, perceptions of, and contact with School Health Service personnel. METHODS: In 2005, a nationally representative random sample of 369 (51% return rate) parents of elementary School-aged children completed the questionnaire developed for this study. RESULTS: A majority of parents/caregivers reported that their child's School had a School nurse (78.8%) and counselor (60.5%), but only 22.6% reported their School had a social worker. A majority of parents/caregivers perceived full-time School nurses (86.3%), School counselors (78.6%), and School social workers (56.3%) as important or extremely important and that Schools should be held responsible for having each in their child's elementary School. A majority of parents/caregivers were willing to pay an increase in yearly tax dollars to have full-time School Health personnel. CONCLUSIONS: This study established a level of parental support for, perceptions of, and contact with School Health Service personnel. Parents were most supportive of School nurses and should be perceived as allies in ensuring job security.

Ann Keymeulen - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • School age hearing screening based on speech in noise perception using the digit triplet test
    Ear and Hearing, 2018
    Co-Authors: Sam Denys, Michael Hofmann, Heleen Luts, Cecile Guerin, Ann Keymeulen, Katelijne Van Hoeck, Astrid Van Wieringen, Karel Hoppenbrouwers, Jan Wouters
    Abstract:

    OBJECTIVES This study aims to investigate the large-scale applicability of the Digit Triplet test (DTT) for School-age hearing screening in fifth grade elementary (5E) (9 to 12 years old) and third grade secondary (3S) (13 to 16 years old) School children. The reliability of the test is investigated as well as whether pass/fail criteria need to be corrected for training and/or age, and whether these criteria have to be refined with respect to referral rates and pure-tone audiometry results. DESIGN Eleven School Health Service centers participated in the region of Flanders (the Northern part of Belgium). Pure-tone screening tests, which are commonly used for hearing screening in School children, were replaced by the DTT. Initial pass/fail criteria were determined. Children with speech reception thresholds (SRT) of -7.2 dB signal to noise ratio (SNR) (5E) and -8.3 dB SNR (3S) or worse were referred for an audiogram and follow-up. In total, n = 3412 (5E) and n = 3617 (3S) children participated. RESULTS Population SRTs (±2 SD) were -9.8 (±1.8) dB SNR (5E) and -10.5 (±1.6) dB SNR (3S), and do not need correction for training and/or age. Whereas grade-specific pass/fail criteria are more appropriate, a linear regression analysis showed an improvement of 0.2 dB per year of the SRT until late adolescence. SRTs could be estimated with a within-measurement reliability of 0.6 dB. Test duration was also grade-dependent, and was 6 min 50 sec (SD = 61 sec) (5E) and 5 min 45 sec (SD = 49 sec) (3S) on average for both ears. The SRT, test reliability, and test duration were comparable across centers. With initial cut-off values, 2.9% (5E) and 3.5% (3S) of children were referred. Based on audiograms of n = 39 (5E) and n = 59 (3S) children, the diagnostic accuracy of the DTT was assessed. A peripheral hearing loss was detected in 31% (5E) and 53% (3S) of the referred children. Hearing losses found were mild. Less strict pass/fail criteria increased the diagnostic accuracy. Optimal pass/fail criteria were determined at -6.5 dB SNR (5E) and -8.1 dB SNR (3S). With these criteria, referral rates dropped to 1.3% (5E) and 2.4% (3S). CONCLUSIONS The DTT has been implemented as the new hearing screening methodology in the Flemish School-age hearing screening program. Based on the results of this study, pass/fail criteria were determined and optimized to be used for systematic hearing screening of 5E and 3S School children. Furthermore, this study provides reference values for the DTT in children 9 to 16 years of age. Reliable SRTs can be obtained with the test, allowing accurate monitoring of hearing over time. This is important in the context of a screening guideline, which aims to identify children with noise-induced hearing loss. Validation of the screening result should go beyond taking an audiogram, as a peripheral hearing impairment cannot always be found in children with a failed test.

Michael Hofmann - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • School age hearing screening based on speech in noise perception using the digit triplet test
    Ear and Hearing, 2018
    Co-Authors: Sam Denys, Michael Hofmann, Heleen Luts, Cecile Guerin, Ann Keymeulen, Katelijne Van Hoeck, Astrid Van Wieringen, Karel Hoppenbrouwers, Jan Wouters
    Abstract:

    OBJECTIVES This study aims to investigate the large-scale applicability of the Digit Triplet test (DTT) for School-age hearing screening in fifth grade elementary (5E) (9 to 12 years old) and third grade secondary (3S) (13 to 16 years old) School children. The reliability of the test is investigated as well as whether pass/fail criteria need to be corrected for training and/or age, and whether these criteria have to be refined with respect to referral rates and pure-tone audiometry results. DESIGN Eleven School Health Service centers participated in the region of Flanders (the Northern part of Belgium). Pure-tone screening tests, which are commonly used for hearing screening in School children, were replaced by the DTT. Initial pass/fail criteria were determined. Children with speech reception thresholds (SRT) of -7.2 dB signal to noise ratio (SNR) (5E) and -8.3 dB SNR (3S) or worse were referred for an audiogram and follow-up. In total, n = 3412 (5E) and n = 3617 (3S) children participated. RESULTS Population SRTs (±2 SD) were -9.8 (±1.8) dB SNR (5E) and -10.5 (±1.6) dB SNR (3S), and do not need correction for training and/or age. Whereas grade-specific pass/fail criteria are more appropriate, a linear regression analysis showed an improvement of 0.2 dB per year of the SRT until late adolescence. SRTs could be estimated with a within-measurement reliability of 0.6 dB. Test duration was also grade-dependent, and was 6 min 50 sec (SD = 61 sec) (5E) and 5 min 45 sec (SD = 49 sec) (3S) on average for both ears. The SRT, test reliability, and test duration were comparable across centers. With initial cut-off values, 2.9% (5E) and 3.5% (3S) of children were referred. Based on audiograms of n = 39 (5E) and n = 59 (3S) children, the diagnostic accuracy of the DTT was assessed. A peripheral hearing loss was detected in 31% (5E) and 53% (3S) of the referred children. Hearing losses found were mild. Less strict pass/fail criteria increased the diagnostic accuracy. Optimal pass/fail criteria were determined at -6.5 dB SNR (5E) and -8.1 dB SNR (3S). With these criteria, referral rates dropped to 1.3% (5E) and 2.4% (3S). CONCLUSIONS The DTT has been implemented as the new hearing screening methodology in the Flemish School-age hearing screening program. Based on the results of this study, pass/fail criteria were determined and optimized to be used for systematic hearing screening of 5E and 3S School children. Furthermore, this study provides reference values for the DTT in children 9 to 16 years of age. Reliable SRTs can be obtained with the test, allowing accurate monitoring of hearing over time. This is important in the context of a screening guideline, which aims to identify children with noise-induced hearing loss. Validation of the screening result should go beyond taking an audiogram, as a peripheral hearing impairment cannot always be found in children with a failed test.