Hearing screenings are provided for all 4k, 5k, 1st and 3rd grades.
We also screen students that are referred in other grades. The purpose of any screening program is to detect those individuals with a suspected deviation that requires further examination at the earliest age possible in order to refer for diagnosis and treatment, if required.
In the United States, one to three children per 1,000 are born with hearing loss each year (CDC, 2010). Hearing deficits in children can interfere with normal speech and language development, communication, and the ability to learn. It is important to detect even a mild hearing loss in order to treat the problem or compensate for the loss when possible. The earlier a child who is deaf or hard of hearing starts getting services, the more likely the child’s speech, language, and social skills will reach their full potential. Children with mild to moderate hearing deficits may be at a disadvantage educationally, emotionally, and socially. Thus, ongoing review of hearing and speech age-appropriate milestones, risk factors, and routine hearing screening is critical (health.mo.gov).
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