This engagement exercise closed on Wednesday 23 October 2024.
The engagement report is available here.
We want to hear from Worcestershire parents and carers about their thoughts on the school hearing check.
Currently, all children are offered a hearing check when they enter Reception (aged 4 or 5). All children will also have been offered a hearing check at birth, either in hospital or a clinic. If there are concerns about a child's hearing at any age, they can be referred for a full hearing test by a Health Visitor or GP.
A review showed that only a small number of children who are referred from the school hearing check for a full hearing test go on to be diagnosed with a permanent hearing problem. This is because hearing issues are often identified earlier through other routes. We're exploring ways to improve these routes to make sure children get the support they need as early as possible.
In some nearby areas, school hearing checks have been stopped, and children are referred to specialists when a concern arises.
We’d like your feedback on where you’d seek help for hearing concerns and your thoughts on the current school hearing checks. Your input will help shape any future changes to services for children with suspected hearing problems.
Who is this survey for?
This survey is for all parents and carers who live in Worcestershire that have children aged between 0 – 11 years old. If you have different experiences with more than one child, please complete the survey as many times as needed.
Survey – This survey is now closed.
All responses will be anonymous. NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire Integrated Care Board (ICB) will collate and store the answers that you give. We will publish the anonymous findings to our website and will also share with our partners. Personal identifying information will not appear in any publications resulting from this survey. Your anonymous quotes may be used in this, and other relevant ICB reports.
Deadline
Please complete the survey by 9am, Wednesday 23 October 2024 - Closed
More information
For more information about hearing tests for children, please visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hearing-tests-children/ and https://www.ndcs.org.uk/information-and-support/childhood-deafness/hearing-loss/
Concerned about your child’s hearing?
If you have any concerns about your child’s hearing, please contact your Health Visitor or GP surgery
