Screening programmes for OME and conductive hearing loss may vary greatly in the way they are constructed (algorithm) and consequently vary in their sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV. This makes it difficult to compare different screening programmes.
Only a few studies have examined screening programmes for OME and conductive hearing loss and these were generally deficient in their design. They did not demonstrate screening programmes to be an effective strategy for OME and conductive hearing loss.
Unfortunately, it is therefore not possible to conclude from the literature reviewed in this report whether or not screening programmes for OME and conductive hearing loss in preschool and school entrant children are an effective health strategy.
More specifically, conclusions cannot be drawn on specific aspects of the current screening programme for OME and conductive hearing loss. Currently no recommendation can be made on high-risk targeted screening, changing the age of screening (either younger or older) or changing the screening interval.
It must also be noted that it cannot be concluded that current screening programmes for OME and conductive hearing loss in New Zealand are ineffective.
To determine whether screening programmes for OME and conductive hearing loss in preschool and new entrant school children are an effective health strategy, more research is needed. Although research is difficult in this area, a thorough evaluation of New Zealand's screening programme and its outcomes would help determine the best choice for effective health strategies for OME and conductive hearing loss.