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Semin Hear 2009; 30(2): 071-079
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1215436
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Bess and Hearing Screening: Portending the Challenges in Children

Judith S. Gravel1 , Rebecca M. Fischer2 , Patricia Chase3
  • 1Center for Childhood Communication, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
  • 2Department of Speech and Theatre, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
  • 3Department of Communication Disorders, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee
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Publication History

Publication Date:
30 April 2009 (online)

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ABSTRACT

This article summarizes the significant contributions of Fred H. Bess to the early detection of hearing loss in infants and children. Based on public health and educational policy, Bess challenged audiologists to view hearing screening as a responsibility that brought with it the need to develop screening tools that are effective in identifying hearing loss—whether for use with infants, preschoolers, or school-age children—and that adhere to important screening principles. A review of his influence on pertinent guidelines, position statements, and recommendations highlights his belief that early identification of hearing loss is critical if children are to overcome the significant obstacles presented by even mild and unilateral hearing losses. This section is followed by a review of seminal papers that stimulated research in universal newborn hearing screening programs and the detection of unilateral and minimal hearing loss. We conclude with a review of selected studies that build on Bess's earlier work and strive to drive our field forward to practices that are both evidence-based and effective in detecting hearing loss in children.

KEYWORDS

Newborn screening - impedance audiometry - unilateral hearing loss - minimal hearing loss

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Rebecca M FischerPh.D. 

Professor, Communication Disorders, Middle Tennessee State University

Murfreesboro, TN 37132

Email: rfischer@mtsu.edu

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