Hearing And Vision Screening Offered by Local Health Department for School-Aged Children

ability to hear are two important elements in helping a child succeed. Make sure your child gets their eyes and ears checked.

 Clearness of vision, eye muscle balance, nearsightedness and farsightedness are tests offered during a vision screening through Central Michigan District Health Department (CMDHD). Hearing screenings have often been helpful in identifying hearing loss and aiding in finding the appropriate medical referrals if further testing is needed.1 At CMDHD, we offer both screenings to children during the school year at no cost to parents. For children 3 through 6 years of age with Medicaid coverage, insurance covers the cost of the screening.

 “These hearing and vision tests are mandated by the State of Michigan for all incoming kindergarteners prior to their first day of school starting. Our state-trained staff provide vision screening services to children in preschool and in the 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 9th grades” said Connie Lance, CMDHD Health Promotion supervisor.

“Hearing screening is done for preschool children and those in kindergarten, 2nd, and 4th grades. Preschoolers are screened in larger daycares, Head Start centers, or during kindergarten round-ups. Students are screened throughout the school year as our technicians visit each school district. Other children may be screened at the request of a teacher or parent. Screening may also be offered at our health department clinics by appointment, if needed.”

 Any family with homeschooled children can call the local health department branch office in their county and ask to make an appointment for hearing and vision screening at no cost to the parent. Appointments are available during the summer months, as well.

 Parents or guardians who call to make an appointment for their child’s immunizations may also make arrangements for hearing and vision screenings for the same time frame if a technician is available on their appointment day.

Proud member of the Northern Michigan Public Health Alliance: 7 local health departments advocating for public health.

 The parent of any child who does not pass the screening is contacted and asked to take the child in for additional testing by a doctor. Approximately 10% of children screened for vision and 5% of children screened for hearing in Michigan are referred to specialists.1 Referrals to community services for assistance are also available through CMDHD’s Community Connections Program. For more information or to set up a screening appointment for eligible school-age children, please call our Hearing and Vison department at 989-314-7570.