Hearing screening for preschool children
Official title: Pure-tone Audiometry Versus Otoacoustic Emissions for Preschool Hearing Screening
Run by University of California, San Francisco · NCT06058767 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing two different ways to check hearing in preschool children to see which method works better for finding hearing loss early and helping kids who might struggle with speech and language.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 2 Years to 6 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 13764 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of California, San Francisco Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (San Francisco, California) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 1, 2023 |
| Main results expected | February 1, 2028 |
| Study ends | February 1, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | February 2, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06058767 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are children aged 2 to 6 years enrolled in community-based preschool programs.
✕Probably not a fit
Children with known permanent hearing loss or those using hearing assistive devices will not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study aims to determine the effectiveness of two different hearing screening methods for preschool children: a two-stage approach combining Pure-tone audiometry (PTA) and otoacoustic emissions (OAE) versus a single-stage OAE screening. A diverse group of 28,000 preschool-age children will be recruited from community-based preschool centers, where each child will undergo both screening methods. The goal is to identify hearing loss early, which is crucial for preventing speech and language delays in children who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. The outcomes will be compared within subjects to assess which method is more effective in a real-world setting.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved early detection of hearing loss in preschool children, facilitating timely intervention and support.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown the efficacy of OAE screening in preschool settings, suggesting that this approach may be effective, though the specific comparison being made in this study is novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age 2:0 - 6:0 years 2. Enrolled in a community-based preschool program Exclusion Criteria: 1. Known permanent HL, by parental or school report 2. Use of a hearing assistive device 3. Parent does not consent for hearing screening 4. Child was screened previously for this study 5. Child is not present in preschool on day of hearing screening
Where it's running
-
The University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, California, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Dylan K Chan, MD, PhD — The University of California - San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Jihyun R Stephans, BS
- Email: Jihyun.stephans@ucsf.edu
- Phone: 415-530-0830
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Long-term hearing and speech outcomes after cochlear implants
This project will see if cochlear implants improve hearing, speech understanding, and quality of life in Mandarin-speaking patients of all ages before and after surgery.
-
Transitioning from Baha Connect to Osia System in adults with mixed or conductive hearing loss
This study tests whether the Osia System is safe and performs well in adults who already use a Baha Connect system and want to switch.
-
Understanding listening effort in cochlear implant users
This study tests how much effort people with cochlear implants need to understand speech compared to those with normal hearing, using speech tests and measuring pupil size to see how hard they are working to listen.
-
BEARS directional-listening training to improve hearing in older children and teens with two cochlear implants
This trial tests whether 3 months of the BEARS virtual-reality directional listening training, added to usual care, helps 8–16 year olds with two cochlear implants hear better in noisy places, reduce listening effort, and improve vocabulary and quality of life.
-
Cochlear implants for young children with single-sided deafness
This study is testing if cochlear implants can help young children with single-sided deafness hear better and develop language skills as they grow.
-
Evaluating long-term effects of osseointegrated devices on hearing and cognition
This study is trying to see how using special hearing devices affects the thinking and daily life of people with hearing loss over three years.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.