New Report: How Did Tainan City Achieve 102% Coverage? Why Preschool Hearing Screening Varies by County

Since 2012, the central government has implemented nationwide newborn hearing screening, achieving a coverage rate of 99%. However, this is not enough, as some hearing losses caused by viruses or genetic mutations occur later in life—known as delayed-onset hearing loss. Therefore, preschool hearing screening, managed by local counties and cities, is also crucial. Unfortunately, current practices vary significantly across regions.

Responsible municipalities outsource professional vendors to conduct pure-tone audiometry (PTA) tests directly in kindergartens. Others merely distribute questionnaires to parents, while some do nothing at all. Dr. Lin Hong-Qing, Director of the ENT Department at Mackay Memorial Hospital, emphasized that preschool hearing screening must be conducted by trained professionals using PTA; otherwise, it is merely symbolic.

In fact, preschool hearing screening in Taiwan began as early as 1995. At that time, the Institute of Maternal and Child Health—predecessor to the current Health Promotion Administration—collaborated with local governments. Initially, the 'otoacoustic emissions' (OAE) device was used, later replaced by PTA in some areas. Both OAE and PTA are professional instruments, and the initial response from stakeholders was very positive.