The Healthy Ear App: reducing preventable hearing loss in Indigenous children
$ 50.00
Where other Australian kids have runny noses, remote Aboriginal children have runny ears.

Nine out of ten children in remote communities have some form of ear disease and many suffer constant hearing loss as a result.

The impact on language development, behaviour and school performance is devastating. It is a key reason why educational outcomes for Aboriginal children are well below national averages, particularly for remote area children.

Many Aboriginal children in remote areas have hearing loss associated with middle ear infections (Otitis media, OM) that persist throughout the early informative years. The infections are generally asymptomatic so remain undetected and untreated, with progression to chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM or “runny ears”).

Long periods of hearing impairment are associated with cognitive and social disadvantage, developmental disability and academic delays. Medical interventions are important in the prevention and management of otitis media, but adherence is poor and ear health is not a priority.

This needs to change.

Resources are needed to improve communication about the causes and implications of poor ear and hearing health, to increase family participation in the management of ear infections and in assisting their hearing impaired child with communication and learning.

Or Donate Amount of Your Choice