Indigenous ear health news

31 January 2012

NEW KITS ROLLED OUT TO TACKLE EAR DISEASE

A new resource kit to tackle ear disease amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kids has been launched today by the Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon.

“Wiping out ear and hearing problems amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander boys and girls is critical in preventing them from falling behind in early development,” Mr Snowdon said.

“More than ten percent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kids suffer a hearing or ear problem – compared with only three per cent of the rest of the population of the same age.”

“That sobering figure is why the Gillard Government is investing nearly $10 million in tackling ear disease in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

“Language and speech problems associated with a hearing problem can leave young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kids behind in critical years of early development – we need to make sure they don’t fall behind in the early years,” Mr Snowdon said.

The new resource kits will be rolled out to health professionals across the country, and feature clear messages and images to help explain to carers and parents about the signs and symptoms of ear disease.

The kits also contain information on prevention and treatment of hearing problems and ear disease, include the importance of simple steps such as getting children's ears checked regularly at the clinic, good hygiene, providing smoke-free environments, eating healthy food and breastfeeding.

The kits will be distributed to health professionals including Aboriginal Medical Services, Divisions of General Practice, peak bodies for health professionals working in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and state-based Aboriginal health clinics.

For more information, contact the minister’s office on 02 6277 7820.

Click here to download a copy of the media release.

1 July 2011

$9.6M CAMPAIGN TO TACKLE INDIGENOUS HEARING HEALTH

The Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon, has launched a new $9.6 million national campaign to improve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ear and hearing health.

The Australian Government campaign starts this month and features resource kits for teachers and early childhood workers to inform children about ear health.

Mr Snowdon said there was a much higher prevalence of ear and hearing issues amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people compared with the wider community.

“Research shows as many as 91% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in rural communities present with Otitis Media. This is an inexcusable situation and one which the Australian Government is determined to address,” he said.

Click here to read more and to download a copy of the media release.