The Centers for Disease Control states that hearing loss can affect a child’s ability to develop speech, language, and social skills. The earlier children with hearing loss start receiving services, the more likely they are to reach their full potential.

Did You Know?
According to the National Institutes of Health, here are a few statistics on hearing loss in children:

• Approximately 3 million children in the U.S. have a hearing loss; 1.3 million of them are under the age of three.
• Five out of 6 children experience an ear infection (otitis media) by the time they are 3 years old and those infections can cause temporary hearing loss. The build up in the ear can reduce the mobility of the eardrum and middle ear bones, leading to decreased hearing ability. However, if treated properly, the infection will clear and hearing will improve.
• 15% of children between the ages of 6-19 have a measurable hearing loss in at least one ear.
• A mild hearing loss can cause a child to miss as much as 50% of classroom discussion.

Hearing Screening Basics
Many schools provide hearing screening as part of required student health assessments. Hearing screening, especially at an early age, provides the opportunity to detect a student’s hearing loss or previously unrecognized hearing loss and intervene to limit further loss and improve learning. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), hearing screening should be conducted:

• At school entry for all children
• At least once at ages 6, 8, and 10
• At least once during middle school
• At least once during high school
• For any student entering a new school system without evidence of a previous hearing screening
• Hearing screening might be required more often for students with other known health or learning needs; speech, language, or developmental delays; or a family history of early hearing loss

At MacGill, we are dedicated to providing nurses with a wide selection of pure tone audiometers, screening equipment and products. If you have any questions regarding any of these products or screening requirements in your state, please contact us.