Why Your Child Needs Annual Hearing & Vision Tests in Dubai

Your child passed the newborn hearing screening. They seem to see just fine. So why would they need hearing and vision tests every year?

The answer is simple: many hearing and vision problems develop gradually—so gradually that children don’t realize anything is wrong. They assume everyone sees or hears the way they do. Meanwhile, these undetected problems can significantly impact learning, behavior, and development.

At myPediaClinic in Dubai, we include hearing and vision screening as part of routine pediatric care. This guide explains why these tests matter, what they involve, and the warning signs parents should watch for.

Why Annual Screenings Are Important

Vision Problems Are Common

About 1 in 4 school-age children has a vision problem. Many of these children don’t know their vision isn’t normal—they’ve never experienced anything different.

Common childhood vision issues include:

• Nearsightedness (myopia): Difficulty seeing distant objects clearly
• Farsightedness (hyperopia): Difficulty seeing close objects clearly
• Astigmatism: Blurred vision at all distances due to irregular eye shape
• Amblyopia (lazy eye): Reduced vision in one eye due to abnormal development
• Strabismus: Misaligned eyes that don’t work together

Hearing Loss Can Be Subtle

While severe hearing loss is usually noticed early, mild to moderate hearing loss often goes undetected. Children may:

• Pass newborn screening but develop hearing loss later
• Have hearing loss in only one ear
• Have hearing loss in specific frequency ranges
• Have fluctuating hearing loss (often related to ear infections)

Impact on Learning

Children with undetected vision or hearing problems may:

• Struggle to read the board or books
• Miss instructions or misunderstand what teachers say
• Seem inattentive or distracted
• Fall behind academically
• Experience frustration and behavioral issues
• Be misdiagnosed with learning disabilities or ADHD

Early detection and treatment can prevent these problems and help children reach their full potential.

When Should Children Have Vision Screenings?

Recommended Schedule

• Newborn: Basic eye exam to check for obvious abnormalities
• 6 months: Assessment of eye alignment and visual development
• 12 months: Continued monitoring
• 3 years: First visual acuity screening (reading an eye chart)
• 4-5 years: Pre-school vision screening
• School age: Annual screening

Children at higher risk (family history of eye problems, premature birth, developmental delays) may need more frequent or comprehensive eye exams.

What Vision Screening Involves

Basic vision screening tests:

• Visual acuity test: Reading letters or shapes on an eye chart to measure how clearly each eye sees
• Eye alignment test: Checking that both eyes work together and are properly aligned
• Photo screening: Special camera that can detect problems in young children who can’t read charts

If screening suggests a problem, the child is referred to a pediatric ophthalmologist for comprehensive evaluation.

When Should Children Have Hearing Screenings?

Recommended Schedule

• Newborn: Universal newborn hearing screening before leaving the hospital
• 1 month: Rescreen if initial test was not passed
• 3-4 years: Hearing screening at preschool age
• School age: Annual screening
• Any time: If hearing concerns arise

What Hearing Screening Involves

• Otoacoustic emissions (OAE): A tiny probe in the ear measures sound echoes from the inner ear. Quick and painless.
• Tympanometry: Tests middle ear function and can detect fluid or eustachian tube problems
• Pure tone audiometry: Child indicates when they hear sounds at different volumes and pitches (for older children)
• Play audiometry: For younger children, turning hearing tests into a game

Warning Signs of Vision Problems

Watch for these signs that your child may have vision issues:

Behavioral Signs

• Sitting too close to the TV or holding books very close
• Squinting or tilting the head to see
• Rubbing eyes frequently (not from tiredness)
• Closing or covering one eye
• Avoiding reading or close-up activities
• Using a finger to guide while reading
• Losing place frequently when reading

Physical Signs

• Eyes that don’t appear aligned (crossing or drifting)
• One eye that turns in or out
• White pupil in photos (instead of red-eye)
• Frequent headaches, especially after visual tasks
• Eye pain or excessive tearing
• Sensitivity to light

Academic Signs

• Difficulty copying from the board
• Declining grades
• Short attention span for visual tasks
• Difficulty remembering what was read

Warning Signs of Hearing Problems

Signs that your child may have hearing difficulties:

In Babies and Toddlers

• Not startling at loud sounds
• Not turning toward sounds by 6 months
• Not babbling or making sounds by 12 months
• Not responding to their name
• Delayed speech development
• Difficulty following simple directions

In Older Children

• Frequently asking “what?” or asking for repetition
• Turning up the TV or device volume very high
• Not responding when called from another room
• Speaking louder than necessary
• Difficulty following conversations, especially in groups
• Academic struggles, particularly in reading and phonics
• Appearing inattentive or “in their own world”
• Speech that is unclear or different from peers

Signs of Temporary Hearing Loss

Children with frequent ear infections or fluid in the middle ear may have fluctuating hearing loss:

• Hearing seems better some days than others
• Behavior changes during or after colds
• Complaints of ear pressure or muffled hearing
• History of recurrent ear infections

What Happens If a Problem Is Detected?

For Vision Problems

If screening indicates a vision issue, your child will be referred to a pediatric ophthalmologist or optometrist for:

• Comprehensive eye exam
• Precise measurement of vision and refraction
• Assessment of eye health and alignment
• Treatment plan which may include:
  • Glasses
  • Patching (for amblyopia)
  • Vision therapy
  • Surgery (for certain conditions)

For Hearing Problems

If hearing concerns are identified:

• Referral to audiologist for complete hearing evaluation
• ENT (ear, nose, throat) evaluation if needed
• Treatment depends on the cause:
  • Fluid in ears: may need monitoring, medication, or ear tubes
  • Hearing loss: hearing aids, FM systems, or other assistive devices
  • Speech therapy if hearing loss has affected language development

The Connection Between Vision, Hearing, and Learning

Vision and hearing are foundational to learning:

Reading

Reading requires:

• Clear vision to see letters and words
• Good hearing to connect sounds with letters (phonics)
• Both systems working together for comprehension

Classroom Learning

Children need to:

• See the board, screen, and materials clearly
• Hear the teacher’s instructions and explanations
• Follow along with discussions
• Participate in group activities

Social Development

Vision and hearing also affect:

• Recognizing faces and facial expressions
• Following conversations with peers
• Participating in sports and games
• Building relationships

Tips for Parents

Between Screenings

• Observe your child for warning signs
• Ask teachers if they notice any concerns
• Ensure good lighting for reading and homework
• Limit screen time and ensure appropriate viewing distances
• Treat ear infections promptly
• Protect ears from loud noise exposure

At Screenings

• Share any concerns with the healthcare provider
• Mention family history of vision or hearing problems
• Report any changes you’ve noticed since the last visit
• Follow up on referrals promptly

If Glasses Are Prescribed

• Choose frames that fit well and are comfortable
• Get impact-resistant lenses for active children
• Have a backup pair for school
• Establish a routine for wearing glasses consistently
• Return for follow-up appointments

Frequently Asked Questions About Vision and Hearing Screenings

Can my child pass a screening but still have a problem?

Yes. Screenings catch most issues but aren’t as comprehensive as full exams. If you have concerns despite a normal screening, request a comprehensive evaluation with a specialist.

My child passed the newborn hearing test. Why screen again?

Hearing loss can develop after birth due to infections, medications, noise exposure, or genetic conditions with later onset. Ongoing screening catches these cases.

At what age can children read an eye chart?

Most children can participate in visual acuity testing by age 3-4 using picture charts or matching games. Letter charts are typically used by age 5-6.

Will wearing glasses make my child’s eyes worse?

No. Glasses correct vision—they don’t change the underlying eye structure. Children who need glasses should wear them; not wearing them can actually cause problems like eye strain and amblyopia.

How can I tell if my toddler has vision problems?

Watch for squinting, sitting very close to the TV, holding books close to the face, clumsiness, or one eye that turns in or out. Photo screening technology can also detect problems in children too young for standard testing.

Can screen time damage my child’s vision?

Excessive screen time is associated with increased myopia (nearsightedness), especially in children who don’t spend much time outdoors. It can also cause eye strain. Follow guidelines for age-appropriate screen limits.

Are headphones safe for my child?

Volume is the key concern. Keep volume below 60% of maximum and limit listening time. Consider volume-limiting headphones designed for children.

My child had ear tubes. Do they still need hearing screenings?

Yes. Children with a history of ear problems should continue regular hearing monitoring to ensure the tubes are working and hearing is normal.

What if my child won’t cooperate with testing?

Pediatric clinics are experienced with young children. Alternative testing methods exist for different ages and abilities. If one method doesn’t work, another can usually be tried.

Does insurance cover vision and hearing screenings?

Most insurance plans cover screening as part of well-child visits. Check your specific plan for details about coverage and specialists.

Schedule Your Child’s Screening

Vision and hearing screenings are quick, painless, and could make a significant difference in your child’s development and success in school. Don’t wait until problems become obvious—by then, valuable time may have been lost.

At myPediaClinic, we incorporate vision and hearing screening into our comprehensive pediatric care. If concerns are identified, we can guide you to the right specialists for further evaluation and treatment.

Book an appointment for your child’s checkup and screening today.