Monitoring hearing in children is an important issue, as it provides an opportunity for proper development. Hearing impairment, even of a minor degree, makes it difficult or impossible for a child to access auditory information. Consequently, it may adversely affect a child’s acquisition of linguistic and educational abilities, as well as social and emotional development. A screening program among children beginning early childhood education can reduce the undesirable consequences of the late diagnosis of hearing loss. The article presents the results of hearing screening in a group of 2,364 children from rural communities in the Silesian Province. It was shown that hearing problems are common in this age group, confirming the need for hearing screening and improvements in health care in this area. Diagnosing hearing disorders in children is an interdisciplinary problem, requiring the cooperation of the medical community, as well as teachers and parents.
English
Język Polski