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Hearing Screening

Hearing Screening Services

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).

Many children may be unaware that they hear differently from their peers.  Early identification of hearing loss can alleviate speech/language delays, social/emotional delays, academic delays, and psychological delays.

The program is a 3-stage process that involves a preliminary screening (Stage I), an Intermediate Sweep and/or Audiogram (Stage II), and the Medical Referral Stage (Stage III).  About 5% of all children screened require a medical referral.

The GOALS of the Hearing Screening Program are to:

  • Identify hearing loss in children as early as possible,
  • Reduce preventable hearing loss and ear disease by facilitating prompt medical care for children at-risk for hearing loss,
  • Assist in the identification of hard of hearing children so their educational, medical, and social needs may be defined, and
  • Help parents and school personnel to understand the child's needs related to the hearing loss.

A referral is made to the child's primary care provider, pediatrician, Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) physician, or audiologist.  Follow-up is conducted by Local Health Departments on all referrals to assure that care is received.  Completed follow-up is reported by the Local Health Department to the MDHHS.

Some Local Health Departments also sponsor Otology Clinics where the child is evaluated by an audiologist and ENT free of charge.  The clinics are sponsored by Children's Special Health Care Services (CSHCS).

Screenings are free and available to all children in Michigan.  They are conducted in schools, preschool programs, and at your Local Health Department.

  • Over 450,000 hearing screenings are performed annually on preschool and school-age children.
  • Hearing screenings may identify conductive, sensorineural, and mixed hearing losses as well as middle ear pathology.  Children are referred to medical professionals for diagnosis.
  • Screenings are conducted at least once between the ages of 3 & 5, and in kindergarten, 2nd, and 4th grades.
  • Children who are referred for medical treatment are screened every year unless directed otherwise.
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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
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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
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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
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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. 
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