Hearing and Vision

Washington State law (WAC 246-760) requires schools to conduct auditory and visual screenings of children each year. Students in grades K, 1, 2, 3, 5 and 7 are screened. If your child is not scheduled to be screened this year you may request a screening by contacting your child’s teacher or school nurse. Inform them of any concerns you may have.

What happens at a hearing screening?

Hearing screening is done using equipment providing tonal stimuli at 1000, 2000 and 4000 hertz (Hz) at hearing levels of 20 decibels (dB) to each ear, in a quiet room. Students who do not pass the initial hearing test are then scheduled to be re-screened. Parent/guardians are notified if their child does not pass the second screening.
 

What happens at a vision screening?

The Lions Club out of Aberdeen will be assisting us to do our vision screenings this year! I am so excited to have them and I am grateful for their help. The Lions Club is trained on behalf of a nationally recognized service organization that utilizes a test-retest protocol for vision screening and uses the screening tools permitted under the rule (charts or instrument-based tools) is permitted to perform school-based screenings. Tip: If an outside organization, such as a Lions Club, conducts the vision screening, the school remains responsible for referral. A school is not required to screen a student who has already had a comprehensive vision examination by a licensed vision care professional within the previous 12 months. To waive the screening, schools must have a report or form signed by a licensed vision care professional indicating such, and the school must place this report/form in the student’s health record.