School-age hearing screenings are an integral tool in identifying children with hearing loss who were not identified at birth, lost to follow-up, or who developed hearing loss later. Without mandated routine hearing screenings in schools, students with unilateral, less severe or late onset hearing loss may not be identified or will be misdiagnosed and managed. Efforts to provide consistent protocols, screener training and follow-up through school-age will help ensure that children with hearing loss are identified and managed in a timely manner, and thereby minimize negative academic consequences.
Sample State Resources:
Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (HRSA)
The Health Resources and Services Administration mandates—through the Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) program—a set of services and benefits for all individuals under age 21 who are enrolled in Medicaid. Federal rules encourage partnerships between state Medicaid and Title V agencies to assure better access to and receipt of the full range of screening, diagnostic, and treatment services.
Promoting Hearing Health in Schools (CDC)
The Department of Health and Human Services Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) collaborates with federal, national, and state agencies and organizations in assisting states and territories to promote the health and well-being of children and adolescents.