MONROE COUNTY — Monroe County children age 3 and older who are entering preschool and kindergarten in the fall are required to have hearing and vision screenings.
Here's what parents need to know about the free screenings, including the Monroe County Health Department's new technology — Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) and the Spot Vision Screener — which allow the department, for the first time, to screen nonverbal children and those with some other disabilities.
Answers to these questions were provided by David Wesoloski, public health planner and communications coordinator for the Monroe County Health Department, and health department hearing and vision technicians.
Who must have vision and hearing screenings?
Hearing and vision screenings are required by the Michigan Public Health Code for all children starting kindergarten or preschool. This includes public, private, charter, preschool, Head Start and qualifying childcare centers. Parents will be asked for proof of screening before their child enters kindergarten or Head Start.
Aren't these screenings performed at kindergarten registration?
Yes, but if a child is unable to attend, we provide this service throughout the summer by appointment.
Do my older kids need to be tested?
Once a child is in school, the Monroe County Health Department works in partnership with all Monroe County school districts and childcare centers to continue free, in-school screenings on a regular basis. If a child is absent or homeschooled, we provide this free service at the health department by appointment.
When is testing available?
Appointments are available through August and can be made by calling the health department at 734-240-7856. Screenings also will be available at Blast Off to Better Health, the annual back-to-school fair, to be held from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. July 13 at the Monroe County Health Department, 2354 S. Custer Road in Monroe. Also offered at the fair will be free immunizations and sports physicals.
What’s new in hearing and vision screenings this year?
This year, for the first time, children with some special needs can participate in the health department’s screenings. In the past, they had to visit a doctor.
Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) and the Spot Vision Screener accommodate students with a disability that may have otherwise prevented them from obtaining a standard preliminary screening. Additionally, it eliminates the need for parents to schedule an appointment at an outside provider to receive a specialized screening.
This equipment was recently purchased. During our state training, each technician was trained on the rise of both the OAE and Vision Screener. The use of this equipment is particularly important if we have a student who is nonverbal or has a disability that prevents him/her from a standard screening.
About how long should parents expect to be at the health department for the testing?Testing can take anywhere from 15-30 minutes, depending on the depth of the screening and the child's participation.How can parents prepare their children for the testing?A hearing screening consists of wearing a pair of headphones and listening to six tones. After each tone is presented, the child is asked to raise his/her hand to acknowledge hearing the tone. Vision screening for a preschooler involves asking children to identify an apple, circle, square and house. For students about the age of 5, they will look into our instrument and identify which way the fingers of an "E" are pointing.
If your child is unable to participate in these standardized screenings, we can use our new equipment to conduct the screenings. Spot vision screener takes a series of images of the child's eyes to determine if their vision is within normal range.
The Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) screener is a non-invasive device where a small probe covered with a soft tip is placed in each ear of the child. The probe then outputs sound and takes a measurement of the sound coming back.
What do vision screenings check?
The vision screening include testing for visual acuity, eye muscle function, nearsightedness, farsightedness, ability to use two eyes together and symptoms of other eyesight problems.
What do hearing screenings check?
Hearing screenings are done with an audiometer and other equipment based on a child’s needs. The hearing screening identifies hearing loss (conductive, sensorineural and mixed) as well as middle ear pathology.
What if an issue is detected?
The program helps parents with a referral to a doctor. Both programs are standardized, so that every child receives consistent screening, referral and follow-up services.
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How many children did the health department screen last year?
In 2023, the health department provided 10,478 vision screenings and 5,959 hearing screenings.To learn more, call the health department at 734-240-7856 or visit the MCHD’s Hearing and Vision Program's website.
— Contact reporter Suzanne Nolan Wisler atswisler@monroenews.com.
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