Effectiveness of a Hearing Conservation and Vocal Hygiene Program for Kindergarten Children

Noise-induced hearing loss and disorders of the voice are two potentially preventable communication disorders. This study sought to determine if young children's knowledge regarding potentially abusive hearing and voice behaviors can be changed through education. An interactive educational prog...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inSpecial services in the schools Vol. 18; no. 1-2; pp. 133 - 150
Main Authors Scrimgeour, Kathleen, Meyer, Susanna E.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Taylor & Francis Group 01.09.2002
Subjects
Hearing Conservation
interactive educational program
kindergarten
Kindergarten Children
Knowledge Level
Outcomes of Education
Primary Education
Program Effectiveness
questionnaire
vocal hygiene
Voice Disorders
Young Children
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Summary:Noise-induced hearing loss and disorders of the voice are two potentially preventable communication disorders. This study sought to determine if young children's knowledge regarding potentially abusive hearing and voice behaviors can be changed through education. An interactive educational program-"Ears for Listening, Voice for Speaking" (ELVS)-was presented to 66 kindergarten students. A questionnaire, testing the students' knowledge regarding anatomy, abusive behaviors, and conservation practices, was administered pre- and post-ELVS participation. A statistically significant increase was found in the students' knowledge post-ELVS participation. Scores on the voice questions were lower than hearing, and, although the difference was not statistically significant, girls scored higher than boys, both pre- and post-ELVS participation. This study highlights the importance of early intervention through education in preventing noise-induced hearing loss and voice disorders.
ISSN:0739-9820
2331-4311
DOI:10.1300/J008v18n01_09