Hearing is one of the fundamental senses that directly affects an individual’s language development, learning process, social communication, and overall quality of life. Although hearing loss can occur in all age groups, it may lead to permanent developmental consequences, especially when it goes unnoticed during the newborn and early childhood periods. For this reason, hearing screenings are a critical public health practice in terms of identifying potential hearing loss at an early stage and ensuring timely referral for further evaluation.
The Role of Early Diagnosis in the Newborn Period
Newborn hearing screening enables the identification of infants at risk for hearing loss immediately after birth; thus, diagnostic procedures, hearing aid fitting, and auditory rehabilitation processes can be initiated without delay. Early intervention makes a significant contribution to helping children achieve language and speech development closer to that of their peers.
Hearing Screening in School-Age Children
Hearing screenings conducted during school age help detect hearing loss that may emerge later or show progressive characteristics. These screenings are important for supporting children’s academic performance and in-class communication.
Screening Practices in Adults and Older Individuals
Hearing screenings in adults and older individuals are valuable in reducing communication difficulties related to hearing loss, preventing social isolation, and supporting cognitive processes. When hearing loss is not recognized, individuals may experience increasing challenges in daily life, and both academic and professional performance may be negatively affected.
Importance in Terms of Public Health
In addition to their individual benefits, hearing screenings contribute to strengthening public health. Through early diagnosis, access to healthcare services is accelerated, and rehabilitation processes can be planned more effectively.
As the Department of Audiology at our university, we attach great importance to expanding hearing screening practices, raising public awareness, and strengthening early diagnosis processes. Conducting regular screenings to protect hearing health and identify potential risks in a timely manner is a fundamental step in supporting individuals’ lifelong communication skills.
