Vision and hearing are significant components of a child’s development and influence a child’s ability to learn. The following information helps determine next steps if you suspect your child or a child with whom you are working may have a vision, hearing, or dual sensory (combined vision-hearing) loss.

Decision Tree for Suspected Vision and Hearing Loss

The Decision Tree: Risk Factors and Behaviors Suggesting a Possible Vision and/or Hearing Concerns in Young and School-Aged Children provides information related to:

  • Risk factors and behaviors suggesting possible vision and/or hearing concerns in young and school-age children

    Descriptions of specific factors concerning vision and hearing loss, hearing and vision behaviors, and eye and physical concerns are described to assist parents in identifying if there is a possible vision and/or hearing loss

  • Next steps if there are concerns about child’s vision or hearing

    Specific step-by-step prompts provide parents with help to determine if their child has a vision or hearing or combined vision-hearing loss

  • What to do for children with known vision impairment and/or hearing loss

    Specific, school-related considerations are identified to assist parents in the development of an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) for a young child or an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for a school-age child identified with a combined vision-hearing loss.

Decision Tree

Risk Factors and Behaviors Suggesting a Possible Vision and/or Hearing Concerns in Young and School-aged Children.

Early Intervention Decision Tree

Behaviors Suggesting a Possible Vision and/or Hearing Concerns in Children ages birth through 2 years.

Web-based Hearing Loss and Vision Impairment Assessments

The web-based Hearing Loss and Vision Impairment Assessments assist parents in accessing important information related to their child’s vision and hearing. By clicking on the Hearing Loss or Vision Impairment Assessment and responding to a series of “yes/no” prompts, parents can obtain essential information about their child’s vision and hearing and any next steps to take in the vision and/or hearing evaluation process.

Access the web-based Hearing Loss and Vision Impairment Assessments

Additional OCDBE Resources and Information

Annual Ohio Deafblind Census: How to Register a Child, Update a Child’s Record, or Report No Children with Deafblindness

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Parents Guide for the Identification of Children with Deafblindness

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Educators Guide for the Identification of Students with Deafblindness

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Medical Professionals Guide for the Identification of Children with Deafblindness

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A School Psychologist’s Guide to Deafblindness: Identifying & Supporting Students with Combined Hearing-Vision Loss (revised 2021)

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More Information

What is Deafblindness?
OCDBE Services
Ohio Deafblind Census