By what age should universal hearing screening be completed in preschool-aged children?

• A. By age 4–5 years
• B. At birth only
• C. By age 3
• D. Not required if newborn screening was done

Answer: (A)

The timing question tests when we should complete universal hearing screening to catch problems before children begin or settle into formal schooling, so their language and learning aren’t delayed.

The best choice is that screening should be completed by age 4–5 years. This aligns with preschool and kindergarten entry, ensuring any hearing issues are identified and addressed before language-heavy academic demands intensify. We already do newborn hearing screening, but that doesn’t guarantee stable hearing later on or rule out delayed-onset or middle-ear problems; ongoing screening in the preschool years helps catch these issues early and allows timely intervention.

Choosing “at birth only” ignores the need for ongoing monitoring after infancy, since hearing status can change after newborn screening. “By age 3” is earlier than the common preschool screening window and may miss opportunities to intervene before school starts. “Not required if newborn screening was done” is incorrect because preschool screening serves to catch problems that arise after birth and to support early language development through the school years.