By Michael Ter-Berg, Thomson Screening
Pull quote: “Research suggests that the number of children with a vision or hearing impairment is likely to grow due to lifestyle changes. With more screen time, there is now a worldwide epidemic of myopia (short-sightedness)”
Following decades of research, it is now well-established that sight and hearing make a huge difference in learning outcomes and behaviour. The science suggests that as much as 80% of learning is visual, with most of the remaining 20% being auditory. So even mild to moderate visual impairments can negatively impact a child’s education.
Children who have undetected hearing or vision issues, in particular, can experience significant problems in the classroom as they are unable to access the help they need and are often treated as ‘problem’ children. For example, children who cannot hear properly may shout or become disruptive in class, while those with vision impairments may struggle to read or write as fluently as their peers.
In addition to these immediate impacts, children with undetected hearing or vision impairments may also experience longer-term consequences. For example, they may have speech and language development issues, which can lead to social and emotional difficulties. They may also experience lower self-esteem, frustration, and pressure, which can contribute to disruptive behaviour.
The growing issue of audio and visual impairment
Unfortunately, research suggests that the number of children with a vision or hearing impairment is likely to grow due to lifestyle changes. With more screen time, there is now a worldwide epidemic of myopia (short-sightedness). Additionally, the growing use of in-ear headphones is contributing to hearing impairments, particularly in children who are gaming and listening to loud music.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), cases of myopia in young people are expected to grow to 3.36 billion by 2030 due to lifestyle-related risk factors. Following the pandemic, 68% of study participants decreased the time they spent outdoors (a substantial cause of the increase in myopia) while time spent using screens increased 2.8-fold.
This is backed up by research from Hong Kong, which found that 30% of the children tested after the COVID-19 pandemic suffered from myopia, compared to just 12% of the children tested before the pandemic ─ a staggering 2.5-fold increase in just a few short years.
The challenge of undiagnosed impairments
One of the biggest challenges associated with undetected vision or hearing impairments is that teachers often do not know which children are affected. This means that they are effectively “flying blind” and may not be able to provide the necessary support or accommodations to help these children succeed.
To address this issue, many organisations have developed programs and initiatives aimed at screening children for hearing and vision problems. By detecting these issues early on, teachers and parents can work together to provide the necessary accommodations and support to help these children succeed.
Routine checking once a year can help quickly identify impairments before there is any severe impact on learning or behaviour. Where a possible impairment is detected, parents can then take their child for a more in-depth assessment by an audiologist or optician and, if required, a prescription for glasses or hearing aids.
One such initiative is the Fischer Family Trust’s Apex project, which is focused on improving literacy outcomes for children with vision impairments (hearing impairments are also being considered). So far, a total of 910 pupils from six schools have been screened, using the SchoolScreener for Schools software from Thomson Screening, for visual impairments and 165 (18%) were referred for further eye tests by an optician. Of those, 61% required glasses or a change in prescription.
Given the significant impact that hearing and vision impairments can have on children’s educational outcomes and behaviour, it is in the best interests of schools to prioritise screening for these issues. Not only does this help to meet school requirements around welfare, inclusion, and behaviour, but it can also save time and money in the long run including children that may otherwise be seen as requiring SEN support.
What’s more, most adjustments or solutions for hearing and vision impairments are easy and cheap to implement. Taking the child for a free full assessment at a high street optometrist and for hearing, to the GP. For some children simply sitting them towards the front of the class will help. When teachers know if a child has a colour vision impairment adjustments can be made.
By making checking children’s vision and hearing a priority of their Welfare and Inclusion activities, schools can ensure that all children with undetected vision or hearing problems can have the support they need to succeed academically and socially.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Michael Ter-Berg is CEO of Thomson Screening. The company was founded in 2011 by City, University of London to further develop and implement the work of Professor David Thomson, for 25 years head of Department at the University’s Department of Optometry and Dr. Sebastian Hendricks, Consultant at Great Ormond Street Hospital in Paediatric Audiovestibular Medicine.
Thomson Screening’s products address healthcare and education around the world with the software managing over 3 million screenings in schools to date. The software also provides automating data reporting and administration. Users include the NHS and schools in the UK, non-profit organisations in the USA and NGOs in developing countries. https://schoolscreener.com/
