County Departments

Hearing and Vision

"Early detection and treatment of hearing and vision problems can help children succeed in school."

Call the Health Department at (989) 832-6673 to schedule an appointment.

The Hearing and Vision Program provides screening to all Midland County children between the ages of 3 and 18. This service is provided in cooperation with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Midland County Health Department and Midland County Schools. All hearing and vision services are offered free of charge.


Kindergarten Entrance Screenings

Children must be screened for both hearing and vision at least once between the ages of 3 and 5 before they enter Kindergarten. The hearing and vision screening is required by the Michigan Public Health Code. Hearing and Vision Screening Clinics are provided by the Health Department in the Spring and early September by appointment only.


If your child has been previously screened at the Health Department or at their preschool please call (989) 832-6673 to obtain a copy of their record.


School Screenings

Trained technicians screen children in grade schools for hearing and vision. In the school setting, hearing is screened during Kindergarten, 2nd grade and 4th grade. Vision is screened in 1st grade, 3rd grade, 5th grade, 7th grade and 9th grade. Your child can be screened for hearing and vision in any grade by parent or teacher request. If your child is homeschooled, you can make an appointment for a hearing and vision screening at the Health Department.


Concerns

Your child may be having hearing problems if he/she:

•   Has a history of ear infections or drainage

•   Listens to music, video games or TV at loud volumes

•   Misunderstands or often asks to have things repeated

Your child may be having vision problems if he/she:

•   Squints or tilts their head to see

•   Has an eye that crosses or wanders when they are ill or tired

•   Holds object close to their eyes

If you have any concerns about your child's vision or hearing, please contact us for a screening. The earlier a problem is identified, the sooner it may be corrected and permanent damage may be prevented.


Screening Referrals and Follow Up

Any child who does not pass the initial and/or rescreen process is referred for further medical evaluation by a doctor or medical professional. A referral letter and physician fax form will be sent home. Please take the physician fax form to your child's appointment. Your doctor’s office will fax results back to the Health Department. We are required to follow up with you regarding the outcome of your child’s exam by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. You can also call us with your child’s results. We always send reminder letters when we do not receive follow up after a referral. Contacting us with your child’s results allows us to close your child’s hearing or vision record.

*Michigan Law requires hearing and vision screening at least once between the ages 3-5 before your child enters kindergarten. The Public Health Code Act 368 of 1978, Section 9307 states that “a parent, guardian, or person in loco parentis applying to have a child registered for the first time in a kindergarten or first grade in a school in this state shall present to school officials, at the time of registration or not later than the first day of school, a certificate of hearing and vision testing or screening or statements of exception under Section 9311*

How to reach us:


Hearing and Vision

Midland County Services Building

220 W Ellsworth Street

Midland, MI 48640


Hours: Monday - Friday (8 am - 5 pm)

Closed for lunch (Noon- 1 pm)


Phone: (989) 832-6673




Michigan Hearing & Vision Website

How to reach us:


Hearing and Vision

Midland County Services Building

220 W Ellsworth Street

Midland, MI 48640


Hours: Monday - Friday (8 am - 5 pm)

Closed for lunch (Noon- 1 pm)


Phone: (989) 832-6673




Michigan Hearing & Vision Website

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