The Health Department of Northwest Michigan urges parents to have their children's hearing and vision tested
CHARLEVOIX, MI -- The cool, crisp air is a friendly reminder that fall is knocking on the door.
But before your kids pack the backpacks and head back to school, the Health Department of Northwest Michigan wants to make sure they're ready to learn.
Even though it may seem daunting to take your child in to have their hearing tested, Suzette Daly, the Family and Community Health Supervisor for the Health Department of Northwest Michigan, says the test is simple, easy, and free. But most importantly, it's a step you as a parent can take to make sure your kid's learning is the best it can be.
“If they can't learn, it's devastating, so it does improve their life if we catch a problem with their hearing and vision, definitely," said Daly.
Once a month, the health department clinics do hearing and vision tests, and during the school year, they visit schools.
Last year, they tested 11,420 students in Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet, and Otsego Counties. They referred 763 children for vision problems, and 220 children for hearing problems.
“What we want to catch is that before it goes into a sensory neuro-loss, and then there is no way to get that hearing back, we want to catch the chronic disease before it causes permanent damage," said Daly.
And if you're worried about a doctor visit, the health department has resources to help pay for the appointment. So Daly says get them in, checked out, and ready to go to school.
If you’d like to set up an appointment to have your kids tested, contact your local health department or call the Health Department of Northwest Michigan’s information number at (800)432-4121.
