Michigan Law requires that children entering school be tested for hearing and vision problems before enrollment. In addition, health care professionals encourage young children be screened to detect problems at an early age.

The Dickinson-Iron District Health Department will conduct hearing and vision screenings for preschool as well as school-age children at upcoming clinics. Those who may have missed previous screenings and home-schooled students are welcome at this free screening.

School vision screening programs have demonstrated that too frequently children enter school with vision defects. Some serious defects cannot be corrected by school age, while treatment in the preschool years can be highly successful, the DIDHD advised in a news release.

Preschoolers are tested for clearness of vision, muscle balance, and any obvious symptoms of eyesight problems. About 5% to 10% of preschoolers screened may be referred to a professional eye care specialist for further examination.

Hearing loss is a common problem. A hearing problem can affect a child’s behavior or performance in the classroom. Seven in 10 children need treatment for an ear problem before they reach age 4, according to the health agency.

A child who has trouble hearing may hear correctly at times, appear to ignore the speaker at other times, or show signs of speech difficulty. Hearing screening by a public health technician can identify hearing problems.

To schedule an appointment for a screening, call the health department at 906-774-1868 in Dickinson County or 906-265-9913 in Iron County.