[Electronic data processing-assisted organization of interdisciplinary universal hearing screening in Saarland].

BACKGROUND: Despite many recommendations and obvious advantages universal auditory screening in new-born children is only beginning to be implemented in the German health system.
METHOD: We report on a multistage screening project based on otoacoustic emission measurements. One of the major disadvantages of such programs is the comparatively low specificity of otoacoustic emission measurements which leads to the need for a large number of re-measurements. Thus, the organisation of follow up screening failures is one of the most important factors that influence the effectiveness of screening programs. An additional problem is a drop-out rate which can be as high as 30% of the children that have to be retested.
RESULTS: In our program we tried to solve these problems by combining primary screening in maternity wards with retesting by paediatricians using the routine examinations of children (U3 and U4) that are done for almost 100% of German babies. In addition, the data from the children that were screened and that have to be screened are transferred to a central data management system.
CONCLUSION: Using this system, the follow up of any individual child can be monitored until a hearing loss has been diagnosed or excluded. Therefore early therapy of children with impaired hearing is possible and psychological and social defects can be avoid.