Speech, language, and social development often build on being able to hear and see clearly, which is why hearing and vision screening are built into routine pediatric care from birth onward.
Newborn Hearing Screening
The CDC’s Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) program follows “1-3-6” benchmarks: screening for hearing loss before 1 month of age, a full diagnostic evaluation before 3 months if needed, and enrollment in early intervention before 6 months. All U.S. states require newborn hearing screening before hospital discharge.
Vision Screening in Early Childhood
Vision develops gradually, and the AAP recommends vision screening be part of well-child visits starting in infancy and continuing through the preschool years, with more formal screening typically happening around age 3 to 4. A family history of strabismus (crossed eyes) or amblyopia (lazy eye) is a reason to bring it up with the pediatrician earlier.
If a Screening Comes Back “Refer”
A “refer” or “did not pass” result on a hearing screening means a follow-up diagnostic test is needed, and getting that done within the recommended window matters because early intervention tends to be most effective. Amblyopia treated late in childhood can be harder to fully correct, so following up on a flagged vision screening promptly is encouraged.
When to Seek Care Sooner
A crossed or wandering eye that appears suddenly after infancy, or a child who doesn’t respond to loud sounds or their name being called, are signs worth bringing to a pediatrician or eye/ear specialist right away rather than waiting for the next scheduled screening. This information is based on U.S. (CDC/AAP) guidance; if you live elsewhere, check with a local pediatric provider for country-specific recommendations. This information isn’t a diagnostic tool and doesn’t replace advice from a medical professional.