"Early detection and treatment of hearing and vision problems can help children succeed in school."
Hearing and Vision Screening Clinics
for Kindergarten/Young 5's School Entry
Call the Health Department at 989.832.6673 to schedule an appointment. Screenings are free.
*Hearing and vision screenings are not offered in the summer*
If your child has been screened for hearing and vision at their preschool or at the health department between the ages of 3 and kindergarten entry, please call us and we will mail or fax a copy of your child's record to the school.
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The Hearing and Vision Program provides free screening to all Midland County children between the ages of 3 and 18. This service is provided in cooperation with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Midland County Health Department and Midland County Schools. All hearing and vision services are free of charge. Our technicians work on the school schedule so are off over the summer months. Call (989) 832-6673 to schedule an appointment!
Kindergarten Entrance Screenings
Children must be screened for both hearing and vision at least once between the ages of 3 and 5 before they enter Kindergarten. The hearing and vision screening is required by the Michigan Public Health Code. Hearing and Vision Screening Clinics are provided by the Health Department in the Spring and early September by appointment only. Please call (989) 832-6673 to schedule an appointment.
School Screenings
Trained technicians screen children in grade schools for hearing and vision. In the school setting, hearing is screened during Kindergarten, 2nd grade and 4th grade. Vision is screened in 1st grade, 3rd grade, 5th grade, 7th grade and 9th grade. Your child can be screened for hearing and vision in any grade by parent or teacher request. If your child is homeschooled, you can make an appointment for a hearing and vision screening at the Health Department.
Concerns
Your child may be having hearing problems is he/she:
• Has a history of ear infections or drainage
• Wants music, video games or TV loud
• Misunderstands or often asks to have things repeated
Your child may be having vision problems if he/she:
• Squints or tilts the head to see
• Has an eye that crosses or wanders when the child is ill or tired
• Holds object close to the eyes
If you have any concerns, please contact us for a screening. The earlier a problem is identified, the sooner it may be corrected and permanent damage may be prevented.
Screening Referrals and Follow Up
Any child who does not pass the initial and/or rescreen process is referred for further medical evaluation by a doctor or medical professional. A referral letter and physician fax form will be sent home. Please take the physician fax form to your child's appointment. Your doctor’s office will fax results back to the Health Department. We are required to follow up with you regarding the outcome of your child’s exam by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
*Michigan Law requires hearing and vision screening at least once between the ages 3-5 before your child enters kindergarten. The Public Health Code Act 368 of 1978, Section 9307 states that “a parent, guardian, or person in loco parentis applying to have a child registered for the first time in a kindergarten or first grade in a school in this state shall present to school officials, at the time of registration or not later than the first day of school, a certificate of hearing and vision testing or screening or statements of exception under Section 9311*