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Parent Information

Parent Information

What parents need to know banner. No child is too young to have their hearing and vision screened.

Prepare Your Child for Success in School

Have your child's hearing and vision tested by your Local Health Department beginning at age 3 and again just BEFORE the start of kindergarten.

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.

Michigan Law Requires Local Health Departments offer hearing and vision screening at least once between the ages of 3 and 5, in Kindergarten, 2nd, & 4th grades (hearing) and 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, & 9th grades (vision) at no cost to families; it also requires screening PRIOR to Kindergarten entry.

If your child is enrolled in school, continuous screenings begin in Kindergarten.

If your child is not enrolled in a formal school setting, he or she can receive free screenings at your Local Health Department by appointment.

Hearing and Vision screening requirements chart.

Does Your Child Have a Hearing or Vision Problem?

Your child may have a hearing problem if he or she:

  • Has a history of ear infections or drainage from the ears
  • Wants the television or radio louder
  • Misunderstands directions or asks to have things repeated

Your child may have a vision problem if he or she:

  • Squints or tilts the head to see
  • Has an eye that crosses or wanders when the child is ill or tired
  • Holds objects close to the eyes

If your child experiences any of these symptoms, contact your local health department now to have their hearing and vision tested.

Don't wait! The screening is FREE!

  • Hearing and vision screenings, conducted by your local health department, begin at age 3 and are continued in the schools.
  • No child is too young to be screened
  • The earlier a problem is identified, the sooner it may be corrected and permanent damage may be prevented.

More Information

  • Michigan's Public Health Hearing and Vision Screening Programs For Pre-School and School-Age Children-English (Under Construction)
  • Michigan's Public Health Hearing and Vision Screening Programs For Pre-School and School-Age Children-Spanish (Under Construction)
  • Michigan's Public Health Hearing and Vision Screening Programs For Pre-School and School-Age Children-Arabic (Under Construction)

Contact Your Local Health Department

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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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