Remote communities have higher rates of ear disease than First Nations children in Cities or regional towns.  Although some of these are asymptomatic, accessible tests can show whether they are at risk of experiencing hearing loss.

Hearing Australia has conducted research on 19,000 First Nations children and found that one in five were experiencing hearing loss and that those under two have more undiagnosed instances.

Most of these cases of ear disease were treatable.  Hearing Australia has a dedicated First Nations Services Unit who can be reached on 134 432 , option 4 for First Nations, and they can come to remote locations to conduct tests.

Image: Image: Supplied

Produced By: Roderick Chambers

Featured In Story: Kirralee Cross -a Yorta Yorta woman from Hearing Australia’s First Nations Unit

First aired on The Wire, Wednesday 10 July 2024