Indigenous Australian children have the worst ear health in the world. Studies have shown middle ear disease affects around 40% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children almost immediately after birth. One in three children has a perforated eardrum before the age of two.
Middle ear disease can be a significant barrier to successful schooling as children who don’t hear well, don’t learn.
The community service announcement (CSA) above tells the story of how dragonflies were traditionally used to test the hearing of young babies. The CSA is based on the story and artwork of Norma Benger Chidanpee. Click the preview to view the spot.
Where to get help
We encourage families to follow their primary health care pathway and to seek an appointment with their GP to have their child’s ears checked.
Alternatively, families can check if the Centre’s Earbus program visits their child’s primary school, kindergarten, child care centre or playgroup by phoning (08) 9387 9831.
The Earbus Program
Telethon Speech & Hearing is working hard to address the significant issue of middle ear disease through the innovative and unique Earbus program.
TSH has a network of Earbus – Mobile Children’s Ear Clinics which travel to primary schools, kindergartens and child care centres providing a free hearing and ear screening service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
Click here to find out more about the Earbus program.
