In-school hearing screenings are a helpful tool to catch pediatric hearing loss before it impacts your child’s academic performance or social development. Let’s take a closer look at school hearing screenings to help you understand the process.
1. Why Are In-School Screenings Done?
One World Health Organization (WHO) study found that untreated hearing loss can negatively impact language development, literacy, self-esteem and social skills. It is often associated with psychological side effects like feelings of isolation, loneliness and depression. In-school hearing screenings help to prevent these side effects by catching hearing loss early on.
2. When Do Schools Perform Screenings?
Most schools perform hearing screenings during preschool, kindergarten and early elementary grades. While it is less common, some districts may perform screenings in middle and high school.
3. How Does the Screening Work?
Your child’s school nurse or an audiologist will likely conduct the screening. During the screening, your child will wear headphones and sit in a quiet area. The examiner will play a series of beeps at different frequencies and volumes in each ear. The test usually only takes a few minutes per student.
4. Results and Follow-up
Hearing screenings are less comprehensive than hearing tests conducted in an audiology clinic. They are designed to detect potential issues but typically do not pinpoint your child’s specific hearing challenges. Results are usually given on a pass/fail basis. If your child does not pass the screening, the school will likely give you a call and suggest you schedule a comprehensive audiology evaluation.
5. How Can I Prepare My Child?
You can help prepare your child for a hearing screening by explaining that the process is easy and painless. If your child is anxious, offer reassurance, explain how hearing treatment could help them understand the world around them and maybe even offer a small after-school treat like a trip to Milk & Sugar Scoop Shoppe for their favorite ice cream.
If your child’s school does not provide hearing screenings or a screening reveals a possible hearing loss, contact Hearing Healthcare Center, Inc. today to schedule a comprehensive audiology exam with one of our trusted specialists.