The Hearing and Vision program works closely with schools to screen youth at various stages for hearing and vision problems. While most screenings take place in the school setting, walk-in screening service is available on Fridays at the public health department.
Hearing and Vision Screening Program Calendar
Hearing and Vision Screening Program Annual Report (2010)
For more information, please call (231) 724-1394.
Hearing Screening
Detection of hearing problems is very important to a child's development of speech and their success in school. Children in kindergarten, 2nd grade, and 4th grade receive a hearing screening each year. We also provide hearing screening in preschools.
Six different tones are presented to the child using an audiometer. When the child hears each tone, the child raises a hand. |
If all 6 tones are heard, the child passes. If the child misses a tone, the test is repeated 3-4 weeks later. |
Follow-up Care
About ten percent of children tested will have follow-up screening and a comprehensive hearing threshold test (a graphic display of a child's hearing levels). Fifty percent of those receiving threshold testing will be found to need medical attention for their suspected hearing loss. Parents of each child needing medical attention will be contacted urging them to follow-up with the doctor or otology clinic.
Otology Clinic
Children with suspected hearing loss have the opportunity to be seen by a medical ear specialist at no cost to the family. Each child found to have ear pathology or hearing problems will receive further referral and follow-up by the hearing technician until the problem is resolved.
Additional Information
Explanation of the Audiogram (MDCH)
Hearing Screening (MDCH)
Newborn and Infant Hearing Screening (MDCH)
Public Health Code - Hearing & Vision
Vision Screening
Children do not know how well they should see. Eyes grow as children grow and may develop problems at any stage of growth. Impaired vision is one of the most common health problems affecting children. It is estimated between 20-25% of children in Michigan have a vision impairment.
Michigan law requires children receive a vision screening before entering kindergarten. In addition,children in 1st grade, 3rd grade, 5th grade, 7th grade, and 9th grade receive a vision screening each year. Students in driver education classes are also screened. We also provide vision screening in preschools.
A Titmus i300 is used for vision screening at the health department. |
A Titmus i200 is used for vision screening at schools. |
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This is what a child sees in the vision equipment. The child is asked to point his/her fingers the same way the 3 lines of the E are pointing. The bottom row is 20/20, the highlighted row is 20/30, next up is 20/40 and above that 20/50 |
Additional Information
Vision Screening (MDCH)
Public Health Code - Hearing & Vision
Michigan Administrative Code - Vision Screening
Helpful Resources
Vision Care Options for Children
List of Eye Care Providers and Costs
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