Frequently Asked Questions Concerning Hearing/Vision Screening for Children

1. Do all schools have to provide hearing and vision screening services?
   
   

   According to the Section 3313.69 of the Ohio Revised Code, all schools with medical/nursing services are to include tests to determine the existence of hearing and vision defects in school children. Simply stated, this law requires that all schools providing any type of medical/nursing services must provide hearing and vision screening services according to the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) requirements.

2. How are hearing and vision screening requirements set?
   
   

   Hearing and vision screening performed in schools must be conducted in accordance with mandates stated in the Ohio Revised Code. These mandates allow ODH to establish minimum, mandatory grade levels, methods and procedures for screening and follow-up.

   The Ad Hoc Hearing and Vision Advisory Committees help set the requirements for hearing and vision screening in schools. The Ad Hoc Hearing & Vision Advisory Committees consist of otolaryngologists, pediatricians, ophthalmologists, optometrists, audiologists, speech-language pathologists, nurses, Ohio Department of Education staff and Ohio Department of Health staff. For more information about the advisory committees or comments to the committee, please contact us at: BCFHS@odh.ohio.gov .

3. My school does screening at different grades than what is mandated by the Ohio Department of Health. What should I do?
   
   

   The grade levels that are mandated by the Ohio Department of Health are the minimum grades to be screened. Sometimes a school will ask special permission from ODH to screen at different grade levels. You should contact your school principal.

4. If the school refers me to a specialist, who do I contact?
   
   

   The school nurse may give you a list of professionals to contact in your community.
   

5. My child has learning difficulties that include visual perceptual problems. Do the vision screening requirements test for these types of problems?
   
   

   No, ODH’s screening requirements focus on the detection of problems related to eye health. Visual perceptual difficulties are more appropriately addressed by school educators.

6. My child failed the hearing screening. Do I need to see a doctor or an audiologist?
   
   

   It is recommended that you contact your primary care doctor first. If necessary, the doctor will refer you to a specialist.

7. My child has an ear infection. Will that affect the hearing test results?
   
   

   Yes, ear infections may affect hearing test results. Let the school nurse know that your child has an ear infection.

Last Updated: 10/30/06
Last reviewed: 06/06/08

                                               Hearing/Vision Screening for Children Program  / Links