Hearing And Vision Screening
Early detection of hearing or vision loss is always the best way to prevent delays in your child’s development. Babies can be screened from birth and should continue to be periodically screened throughout the early years. This is especially true if there is a history of hearing or vision loss in your family or if your child has a history of repeated ear infections. Below is some information about how important early detection is to your child’s later success. If you are concerned about your child’s hearing or vision screening is available through the Shiawassee County Health Department. For further information visit their web site www.health.shiawassee.net or contact them at 989-743-2355.
IMPORTANCE OF EARLY DETECTION OF HEARING LOSS
• Infants learn a great deal during the first months of life even though they don’t speak their first words until about 12 months of age. Early detection and early intervention can prevent your child from developing a speech and language delay.
• Hearing loss in preschoolers can lead to or appear to be “behavior” problems.
• A hearing loss early in life can affect a child’s later performance in school.
IMPORTANCE OF EARLY DETECTION OF VISION PROBLEMS
• 1 in 10 children is at risk for undiagnosed vision problems
• 1 in 30 children is affected by amblyopia (lazy eye) which is a common cause of later vision loss
• 1 in 25 will have strabismus (crossed eyes)
• 1 in 33 children will be nearsighted, farsighted, or have astigmatism
• All of the above can affect a child’s ability to do the things they need to do to learn new skills (e.g., physical skills, read, language development, social interactions, etc.)
If you know your child from birth to three has a hearing loss or visual impairment and would like early intervention, call Leanne Arnst at 1-866-725-7792 or 989-725-2581 or contact her at arnst {at} sresd(.)org. Don’t worry, but don’t wait! Call now!