Back to School Time: Why Hearing Screenings are Important

As you’re checking off school supply lists and getting your child ready for the year ahead, don’t forget one of the most important back-to-school essentials: a hearing screening. 

While vision checks are often top of mind, hearing is just as critical to a child’s success in the classroom. Kids with undetected hearing loss can struggle with reading, language development, attention, and behavior, and many parents don’t realize there’s an issue until they get a call from the school. 

Why Hearing Screenings Matter 

Hearing loss in children isn’t always obvious. In fact, it can be mistaken for daydreaming, inattentiveness, learning or speech delays, or even behavioral problems. In some cases, it’s misdiagnosed as medical conditions like ADHD or developmental disorders. That’s why a regular hearing screening, especially before the school year, is so important. 

If it was not completed at your child’s annual checkup, your child’s pediatrician can provide a quick, painless hearing screening that can help detect: 

• Fluid buildup or ear infections 

• Hearing loss in one or both ears 

• Sound processing issues that affect learning and focus 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 12.5% of children ages 6 to 19 have noise-induced hearing loss in one or both ears. 

Any amount of hearing loss, even in just one ear, can have a significant impact on school performance. Research shows that 25%-35% of children with unilateral (one-sided) hearing loss are at risk of failing at least one grade level.  

Hearing and Learning Go Hand-in-Hand 

Children learn by listening; to their teachers, to classmates, and to the world around them. Even mild hearing loss can cause them to miss important classroom discussions. That’s not just a learning issue, it’s a confidence issue, too. 

Early identification makes a big difference. When hearing loss is caught early, kids can get the support they need to thrive. 

How Schools Can Help Every Student Start Strong 

At HEAR Wisconsin, our Mobile Audiology Clinic (MAC) partners with schools across Wisconsin to provide fast, convenient hearing screenings, both during the school year and before the school year starts. 

Whether you’re part of a parent/teacher organization, a school administrator, or an early childhood educator, our MAC team can bring hearing screenings directly to your school as an accessible service that delivers lasting benefits for your students and community. 

For more information on how you can help ensure every child starts the school year ready to listen, learn, and thrive, check out our School Screenings resource page.  

If you feel like your child is struggling to hear, or have concerns about their hearing health, our Audiology Team at HEAR Wisconsin is here to help. Give us a call 414-604-7219 to schedule a hearing evaluation today.