Michigan Hearing Screening Requirements for Newborns and School-Aged Children

The following information summarizes hearing screening programs for newborns and school-aged children.

This information has been collected by researching individual state statutes, regulations and policy documents, and by contacting each state. Please be advised that regulations and policy may change at any time, so always check with your state for the most up-to-date information.

Newborn Screening

Screening

All Michigan hospitals that provide birthing services will complete a newborn hearing screen prior to discharge of the newborn.

Intervention

Intervention is not addressed by laws/regulations.

Standards/Protocols

• AABR (Automated Auditory Brainstem Response)
• DPOAE (Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions)
• TEOAE (Transient Evoked Otoacoustic Emissions)
• Combination of the above (a/b, a/c)
• New objective hearing screening equipment approved by the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH)/Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Program.

Tracking/Reporting

Written results will be provided to the family, Medical Home and the MDCH/EHDI Program.

School-Age Screening

Ages/Populations Screened

• Hearing screening of preschool children shall be done at least once during the ages of 3 to 5 years.
• Hearing screening of school-age children shall be done at least in kindergarten, grades 2 and 4, or screening shall be done at least biennially starting at age 5 and continuing at least to age 10 years.

Who Can Screen

Public health hearing screening tests shall be given by individuals trained and qualified to properly administer the screening tests. Their training and qualifications shall be approved by the Michigan Department of Community Health.

Training for Screeners

Training for screeners is not addressed by laws/regulations.

Type of Testing

Hearing screening for children who are 3 years old or older shall include audiometric tests.

Equipment Standards

Equipment standards are not addressed by laws/regulations.

Follow-up Protocols & Documentation

A local health department shall report to the Michigan Department of Community Health the status of hearing screening within its jurisdiction. The report shall be made on a form provided by MDCH.

Resources

The information contained herein was collected and summarized annually. For detailed information on hearing screening requirements, visit these websites:

Newborn Screening Statute: Mich. Comp. Laws §333.5432

Guidelines for Newborn Hearing Services [PDF]

School-Age Screening Regulation: Mich. Admin. Code r. 325.3271

Michigan Local Public Health Accreditation Program[PDF]

Questions regarding this document? Call ASHA at 800-498-2071 and ask for the State Advocacy Team.