Hearing Screening Standards for Washington Schools

Summary

The State Board of Health (Board) makes rules for the yearly hearing screenings done in Washington schools. These rules are in chapter 246-760 WAC. The rules ensure schools can identify students with difficulty hearing and refer them for follow-up care. In August 2023, a community group requested that the Board update its hearing screening rules. This group asked the Board if it would consider adding another hearing screening technology to the rules. The Board accepted the request and is considering this possible update. The Board is also considering other technical or minor changes to the rule.

Check out this ASL video that describes this project and shares how you can get involved.

Versión del guion del video en español.

Find additional videos about the project on our YouTube channel.

For More Information

Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.210.020
State Board of Health Contact: Molly Dinardo, molly.dinardo@sboh.wa.gov
If you would like to receive future updates for these rules (e.g., email notices with the next steps on this project and other opportunities to be involved), you can fill out the auditory screening rulemaking interest form online here: https://airtable.com/appInSCDg3PQGljEz/pagLMwUygEb81rYhw/form

Share Your Input on Updates to the Board’s Hearing Screening Standards

The Board wants your feedback on proposed updates to the rules for hearing screening in Washington’s schools. This is your chance to share ideas, ask questions, and suggest changes before the rules hearing scheduled for Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at 1:30 p.m.

The proposed rule is available in English and Spanish:

Draft Language (in English)
Draft Language (en Español)

To submit comments on the proposed rule, use any of the following methods:

  • You may submit written comments through May 23, 2025, using the following options:
  • You may provide verbal comments during the rules hearing open to the public on June 4, 2025. The rules hearing begins at 1:30 p.m.
    • You may give verbal comments in-person at the physical meeting location at:
      Washington State Department of Health
      111 Israel Road S.E.
      Tumwater, WA, 98501
      Building: Town Center Two (TC2, Rooms 166 & 167)
      OR
    • You may give verbal comments online by registering for the meeting via Zoom Webinar: June 4, 2025 - State Board of Health Meeting [SeaTac, WA]

Note: The Board will review and consider all written comments received as part of the official rulemaking file. All written comments received are public record and will be shared on the Board’s website.

Learn more about how to provide public comment on this rule by watching the YouTube video below.

Important Information for the Rules Hearing:

  • You may attend the rules hearing in person at the above address or virtually via Zoom Webinar.
  • To give verbal comments on Zoom, you must access the meeting using your computer, laptop, or device. Your computer, laptop, or device must have speakers and a microphone.
  • The rules hearing will provide Spanish and ASL interpretation services via the Zoom platform.
  • If you need meeting interpretation in a different language, please contact Board staff by May 21, 2025.

To request documents in an alternative format or a different language or to request meeting accommodations, please contact the State Board of Health at 360-236-4110 or by email at wsboh@sboh.wa.gov.

Additional Background

In 2023, the Washington State Board of Health (Board) began updating the state’s school hearing screening standards (chapter 246-760 WAC). These rules set requirements for annual screenings, including which students are screened, how often, approved tools, referral criteria, procedures, and staff qualifications.

The proposed updates would allow schools to use otoacoustic emission (OAE) devices as an optional tool for students who can’t be screened with the current technology. In addition, these changes aim to clarify the rule’s language, align it with vision screening standards, and reflect current national hearing screening guidelines.

The paperwork filed is a CR-102 form. This form announces the proposed rule to the public and includes the proposed rule language.

To receive updates about this project, sign up for emails by filling out the Auditory Screening Interest Form.

This project was announced on October 18, 2023, and can be found under WSR 23-22-004 (CR-101).  

The draft proposed rules and rules hearing were announced on April 22, 2025, and are listed under WSR 25-09-146 (CR-102).

Related Links

August 9, 2023, Board Meeting

January 8, 2025, Board Meeting