Screening Kids for Vision and Hearing Problems:

Early Detection and Treatment Can Make All the Difference

Children's vision and hearing problems often go undetected, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Studies reveal that only 21% of preschoolers in the United States are screened for vision problems, and even fewer receive a full vision exam. Every day, 33 babies are born with some hearing loss, which can impact language acquisition and learning.

Early identification and treatment of hearing and vision difficulties is key—just ask any kid who gets glasses and can suddenly see the blackboard. So often, kids deemed to be inattentive or exhibiting learning or behavior problems may actually be experiencing undiagnosed impairment. Parents need to make sure a pediatrician or school nurse checks vision and hearing.

Remember that an impaired child is not usually aware that his own way of seeing or hearing is different from that of others. For him, that's just the way it is. And children find ways of compensating—from lip-reading to squinting.

Hearing. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that hearing tests be given to newborns. Children's hearing needs to be checked regularly during preschool years and beyond. Early detection will enable kids with temporary or permanent hearing loss to receive appropriate interventions.

Vision. It's recommended that kids be screened for vision problems as newborns, at six months, and every year from five years onward. Each eye needs to be examined separately. Parents should alert the doctor if kids aren't making eye contact, have difficulty tracking moving objects, or if their eyes don't seem to be moving in unison.

To learn more about the availability of vision tests for preschoolers, go to: www.healthyvision2010.nei.nih.gov.

To learn more about what should be included in a wellness visit, go to: brightfutures.aap.org.