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Hearing Services for Children Under Age 3

Referrals involving hearing concerns for children under the age of 3 are part of the Early ACCESS referral process. Early ACCESS is Iowa’s early intervention system for infants and toddlers under 3 years of age who are not developing as expected or have a medical condition that may delay their development. This program provides developmental screenings and comprehensive evaluations and assessments to determine whether children are eligible for services, including hearing.

To support a comprehensive Child Find system, ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ƒÈÉäs conduct hearing screenings as part of an Early ACCESS referral. This ensures consideration of all developmental areas of concern for our youngest learners.

Through this process:

• A service coordinator is assigned to each referred family to gather information, understand concerns and assist in scheduling a hearing screening appointment.
• ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ƒÈÉäs do not schedule hearing screenings directly with medical providers. An Early ACCESS referral form must be completed. 

Medical providers with concerns about a child’s development can make a referral using one of the online forms linked below. Providers cannot directly schedule hearing appointments in the sound booth for families. Faxes or phone calls from clinics to schedule appointments will not be fulfilled.

• Iowa Family Support Network:
• Iowa IDEA:

Hearing Services for Children Over Age 3

After a child turns 3, ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ƒÈÉä services are provided under special education. Referrals are typically initiated by districts or the child’s parents/guardians, but can also be made by a medical provider.

For children over age 3:

• Medical providers are encouraged to provide contact information for the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ƒÈÉä with families and suggest that they contact us directly if they have developmental concerns.
  • ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ƒÈÉä – (712) 222-6050 or (800) 352-9040
• Providers may make a referral only with the parent/guardian’s permission and a signed release of information. Refer to specific information on our ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ƒÈÉä website for how to make a referral for a child over the age of 3. 
• If sufficient information is provided and a suspected disability is identified, ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ƒÈÉä staff will follow up with the family.