Emanuel, Diana C.Farbman, Emily J.2015-12-172015-12-172013-01-172013-05TSP2012Farbmanhttp://hdl.handle.net/11603/1934(Au. D.) -- Towson University, 2013.The efficacy of a college hearing screening program was examined by (1) completing an audiological assessment on 80 randomly selected students after they were screened in 2011 and (2) retrospectively examining hearing and speech-language screening results and follow-up return rates for all students screened over a 10-year period. Results indicated the hearing screening protocol had good specificity and sensitivity when considering the screening frequencies (1000, 2000, 4000 Hz) but missed many students with a high frequency "notch." The retrospective file review for the hearing screenings showed a low positive predictive value (PPV) and a high over-referral rate (ORR). The speech-language screenings had a high PPV and a low ORR. Both screenings had poor follow-up return rates. Two main factors that contributed to the low sensitivity were high levels of ambient noise in the test rooms and the inability of the screener to detect high frequency hearing loss. Based on these findings, ambient noise levels surrounding the rooms where screenings take place should be monitored more closely. Also, college hearing screening program directors should carefully consider the purpose of the screening and adjust the protocol if they wish to identify noise induced hearing loss in college students and additionally, should propose ways to increase the follow-up return rate.application/pdfviii, 62 pagesengCopyright protected, all rights reserved.Text