Hearing and Vision Screenings

Good vision and hearing are key to a child’s overall well being and success in school. We offer pediatric hearing and vision screenings as part of routine well visits, as well as on an as-needed basis if your child is experiencing issues with their vision or hearing.

Hearing Screening

An estimated 1 to 3 out of every 1,000 babies has some level of hearing loss. And the good news is that hearing problems can often be overcome if they are detected early so it’s important to get your child’s hearing screened early and regularly.

Your newborn will have his or her first screening before being discharged from the hospital. There are two screening tests that may be used–Automated Auditory Brainstem Response (AABR) or Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE). If your baby doesn’t pass the initial hearing screening, a retest is recommended within 3 months.

For children who appear to have normal hearing, hearing tests are typically performed annually from ages 4 to 8, again at age 10, and any time there is a concern.

Vision Screening

Vision problems can develop at any time, and children with a family history of childhood vision problems are more likely to have eye problems.

At Holly Springs Pediatrics, we follow the recommended vision screening schedule from the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Children should have their eyes checked by a pediatrician at the following ages:

• Newborn: Your baby will be checked for infections, defects, cataracts or glaucoma by a member of our team before leaving the hospital.
• By 6 months of age: As part of your child’s 6-month well visit, your pediatrician will check for eye health, vision development and eye alignment.
• Starting at 1 to 2 years: As needed, photo screening devices can be used to detect potential eye problems.
• 3 to 4 years: Your pediatrician will check your child’s eyes and vision to look for any abnormalities that may cause problems with later development.
• 5 years and up: Beginning at age 5, your child’s vision should be checked annually. If your pediatrician notices anything during one of these routine eye exams, he or she may refer to you to a pediatric ophthalmologist for further evaluation.

Contact Holly Springs Pediatrics

If at any time your child seems to have trouble hearing or difficulty seeing, or to schedule your child’s well visit, call (919) 249-4700 or request an appointment online.