The Medical journal of Australia
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The brain-stem electroencephalograph (EEG)-evoked response (BSER) constitutes a reliable and objective method of testing hearing in infants, and in uncooperative, or retarded patients. The procedure is harmless and painless, and involves recording the EEG brain-stem responses to clicks presented by headphones. The patient may be sedated, or even anaesthetized, if necessary. Because of the equipment and time involved, the procedure is not recommended as a routine screening procedure, but constitutes a valuable adjunct to conventional audiological testing, especially in doubtful cases.
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A standardized medical examination of four to five year old children was introduced into Victorian preschools in 1977. This combined a neurodevelopmental screening with a physical examination. ⋯ The number of children referred for intervention or therapy from the disadvantaged group was 176 (34%) compared with 88 children (17.6%) from the more advantaged group. A standardized examination of the preschool child is desirable, so that consistently comparable results can be obtained and epidemiological trends can be more readily identified.