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About the Programs

About the Programs

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What is the Michigan Hearing and Vision Screening Program?

  • 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.
  • The Hearing and Vision programs were first legislated in 1949.
  • Over 1 million children are screened each year with more than 88,000 referrals to either physicians or eye care professionals for follow-up care related to hearing and vision issues.
  • The average cost to the State is approximately $5.00 per child.
  • Both programs are carefully standardized so each child screened receives consistent screening, referral, and follow-up services.

Our Commitment to Michigan's Children

  • The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and your Local Health Department are committed to screening all Michigan children for hearing and vision to ensure they have the skills necessary to successfully learn and succeed in school.
  • All children enrolled in formal school programs receive screenings beginning in preschool.
  • If your child is not enrolled in a formal school setting, they can receive free screenings at your Local Health Department by appointment.

Contact Your Local Health Department

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Celebrating 60 Years: Hearing Laughter & Seeing Smiles from Michigan's Children

On September 14-16, 2009, approximately 200 Hearing and Vision Coordinators and Technicians gathered in Thompsonville, Michigan at the Crystal Mountain Resort for a Hearing and Vision conference, "Celebrating 60 Years:  Hearing Laughter and Seeing Smiles from Michigan's Children."

The Hearing and Vision Screening Program has been legislated since 1949 and provided services to over 50 million children in Michigan since its inception.  Currently, over 1 million hearing and vision screenings are conducted each year.

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Black and white photo of vision technician giving school child the Massachusetts vision test
Black and white photo of of a hearing technician giving pure-tone audiometer test to a school class.

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.
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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
Photo of two children in class raising their hands.
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. 
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