Children depend on their hearing every day. In classrooms, they listen to instructions, participate in discussions and laugh with friends at recess. When hearing problems go undetected, kids risk falling behind in school and shrinking away from social activities like playing with other kids at the playground.
That’s why schools in Augusta conduct routine hearing screenings. These quick tests identify concerns early and connect families with the right hearing loss treatment when needed.
Why Schools Screen for Hearing Issues
Hearing loss in children often goes unnoticed. A student may look distracted, fail to respond or struggle with reading, not because they lack focus, but because they can’t hear clearly. By screening at key ages, schools catch possible problems before they interfere with learning and development.
What Grade Do Schools Start Testing?
Georgia mandates that schools conduct hearing screenings at a child’s first entry into school. Individual school districts may also test again during different grades.
What Happens During a School Screening
School screenings move quickly and keep kids comfortable. During the test, your child will wear headphones, listen for beeps at different pitches and volumes and indicate when they hear a beep by raising their hand or pressing a button.
In just a few minutes, the results provide clarity. A pass means your child’s hearing appears normal, while a referral suggests follow-up testing is needed.
If your child receives a referral, schedule a comprehensive evaluation with an audiologist. Keep in mind that a referral doesn’t always mean permanent hearing loss. It’s possible that temporary issues like earwax or fluid blockages in the ear can present as hearing loss. A professional hearing evaluation will identify whether the hearing trouble is permanent or temporary.
Should testing confirm a permanent hearing issue, your hearing specialist may recommend hearing aids to help keep your child on track with learning and socializing.
Schedule a Professional Hearing Test
School hearing screenings in Augusta give every child the chance to succeed. If your child’s screening points to a possible concern, act quickly by scheduling a professional evaluation with Augusta – Aiken ENT & Allergy today.