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Hearing Laughter, Seeing Smiles.

Hearing Laughter, Seeing Smiles.

Logo for Michigan hearing and Vision screening programs

Michigan's Hearing and Vision Screening Programs

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) facilitates the Hearing and Vision screenings provided by your Local Health Department.  All of Michigan's children receive this FREE service in public, private, and charter schools as well as in preschool programs, Head Start programs, and large childcare centers.

The ability to hear and see--the ability to learn--is the key to a child's success.

  • An undiagnosed hearing and vision problem may interfere with development.
  • Early detection and treatment of hearing and vision problems can help children succeed in school.

Help Your Child Succeed

  • Comprehensive screenings are conducted by State of Michigan trained hearing and vision technicians.
  • Michigan's Public Health Code requires screening during pre-school (ages 3 to 5) and again prior to kindergarten entry.
  • Once a child begins elementary school, free screenings continue on a regular basis and are conducted by your Local Health Department.
  • 10% of children screened for vision and 5% of children screened for hearing are referred to specialists.

Contact Your Local Health Department Now

 

 

Hearing Laughter, Seeing Smiles Topics

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The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) facilitates the Hearing and Vision screenings provided by your Local Health Department.  All of Michigan's children receive this FREE service in public, private, and charter schools as well as in preschool programs, Head Start programs, and large childcare centers.
Home
Photo of three children smiling.
This State mandated program provides hearing and vision screening services FREE of charge to all Michigan children.  It is managed by MDHHS, executed by Local Health Departments, and successful in large part due to the collaboration with local preschools and schools.
About the Programs
Photo of a boy with glasses being carried by his father.
Vision screening of pre-school children is conducted by Local Health Department staff at least once between the ages of 3 and 5 years, and school-age children are screened in grades 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9, or in conjunction with driver training classes.
Vision Screening
Photo of children in a classroom.
The MDHHS Hearing Screening Program supports Local Health Departments in screening children at least once between the ages of 3 and 5 years, and every other year between the ages of 5 and 10 years.  Many Local Health Departments also screen children younger than 3 using Otoacoustic Emissions (OAEs).
Hearing Screening
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Your child's hearing and vision impacts their success in school. An undiagnosed hearing problem may impact your child's ability to pay attention or follow directions. An undiagnosed vision problem may affect your child's ability to read and learn.
Parent Information
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When a child is identified with a hearing or vision problem, your assistance is invaluable in referring them to the appropriate intervention specialists (Early On, Special Education and other professionals) as necessary.
Health Care Providers
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Links to helpful information and resources. 
Links