Feasibility of Stepwise Technology-Based Audiometry With Rapid Results (STARR) Protocol in Minnesota Elementary Schools.

Abstract

This study aims to understand the utility of a stepwise technology-based audiometry with rapid results (STARR) school screening protocol. A prospective cohort study. Six elementary schools in a single school district in Minnesota. Students at 6 elementary schools in Minnesota participated in the STARR protocol and underwent initial technology-based hearing screening, followed by additional comprehensive automated audiometry with insert earphones and point-of-care otoscopy if they were referred. Results were reviewed by an otolaryngologist remotely, and parents received treatment recommendations based on these findings. A total of 454 (81% of eligible) students were screened and 27 students (5.9%) referred. On average, the initial screening took 55 seconds (standard deviation [SD] = 22) for those who passed and 116 seconds (SD = 55) for those who were referred. Comprehensive audiometry screening took 163 seconds (SD = 27) for those who passed and 252 seconds (SD = 100) for those who referred. A team of 6 screeners could screen a class of 30 students in 30 minutes. The total number of nursing encounters required to ensure a student saw a provider after a referral was reduced using the STARR protocol (2.47 encounters per referral) compared to traditional audiometric screening (3.39 encounters per referral) (P < .01). The STARR protocol is a feasible and efficient method of screening in public schools that can reduce false referral rate, provide parents with more information at the point of referral, and reduce nursing burden. Technology-based hearing screenings should be considered in school settings as a means to provide more patient and family-centered hearing health care. Further research is necessary to understand how the STARR protocol influences loss to follow-up rates after failed hearing screening.