Hearing & Vision Checks For School-Age Children

Key points to remember about hearing and vision checks for school-age children

screening for some vision problems for your child should happen at around 11 or 12 years of age
if you have concerns about your child's vision or hearing at any time, take your child for an assessment
if your child does have a hearing or vision problem, finding it as early as possible is good for their learning and development

What about hearing checks for older children?

The last hearing check your child received was at 4 or 5 years of age. Your child will not have their hearing checked at school so if you are concerned about your child's hearing, it's important that you visit your family doctor. Your doctor may refer your child to the hospital for an assessment by a hearing specialist (audiologist).

What vision checks are needed for older children?

All children should have their distance vision screened when they reach year 7 (when they are around 11 or 12 years of age).

Vision hearing technicians will carry out this screening at your child's school.

The results of this screening will be sent to you in the mail or will come home with your child.

External links and downloads (see the online version for more information at other websites)

Hearing resources (HealthEd website) [1]

The resources in the hearing section include: advice on newborn hearing screening; glue ear and earache in young children; hearing assessments in the Well Child programme of free health checks.

[2]

This page last reviewed 15 August 2020.
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