Preventable ear disease twice as common among remote First Nations children
One in two First Nations children aged 0-6 in remote and very remote locations are likely to have middle ear disease – double the rate of First Nations children in metropolitan, regional and rural areas.1
The findings are based on an analysis of more than 15,000 First Nations children assessed by Hearing Australia, part of a program that has provided hearing assessments to over 50,000 First Nations children.1
This NAIDOC Week (5-12 July 2026), Hearing Australia says this gap in hearing health outcomes highlights the ongoing challenges faced by families in remote communities, where distance and access to culturally safe services can make early detection and treatment more difficult.
In response, Hearing Australia is working closely with First Nations communities to bring hearing care directly to where it is needed most. With highly trained audiologists visiting communities, strengthening partnerships with local services, and expanding access through outreach and telehealth.
“These findings highlight the ongoing hearing health challenges that continue to disproportionately affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, who experience some of the highest rates of otitis media (middle ear infection) globally,”2 says Kaurna woman Anne-Marie Banfield, First Nations Strategy and Relationship Lead at Hearing Australia.
“Too many families, particularly in remote communities, face barriers to hearing care such as distance and a shortage of culturally safe services.”
Data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) also shows that four in ten First Nations children aged 7-14 in remote areas had measured hearing loss in 2018-193, highlighting the broader burden of ear disease across childhood in remote Australia.
Supporting earlier detection through routine care
Early identification of ear and hearing problems is crucial, as untreated hearing loss can affect speech development, learning and social connection. Experts recommend that young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children have ear health checks every six months.4
Hearing Australia is working with communities and health services to bring hearing healthcare directly to the communities that need it most and to help make regular ear and hearing checks a routine part of care.
“Hearing loss can be difficult to detect, especially in young children,” says Anne-Marie. “By supporting routine checks and raising awareness among parents, caregivers and educators about ear and hearing health, we can help ensure children receive support earlier and avoid longer-term impacts.”
We also encourage caregivers, parents and teachers to be alert for possible indicators of hearing loss which include not responding to sound, needing repetition, or delays in speech and learning, and to seek help if there are any concerns.”
Expanding access to hearing care in remote communities
Hearing Australia provides hearing services across more than 300 sites, with more than half located in remote communities. In the past year, around 25,000 First Nations children and adults have been supported with hearing services, devices and ongoing care.
Working closely with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs), government and local providers, Hearing Australia is co-designing shared hearing services to meet the needs of communities.
Maree Marney, Outreach Worker at Karadi Aboriginal Corporation in Tasmania, says their partnership with Hearing Australia has helped their community engage with hearing health services in a positive way.
“Bringing specialist hearing services directly into our community helps improve access for Aboriginal families who may not otherwise seek support, while providing a culturally safe and welcoming environment to learn about hearing health, ask questions, and access professional advice. We’re grateful for the partnership with Hearing Australia and the positive difference it has made in supporting the health and wellbeing of our community.”
Innovative service models are also improving access, including a dedicated First Nations Support Line and telehealth services, with nearly 7,000 appointments delivered since 2023.
Hearing Australia’s Social Purpose Program is also further expanding access by providing free hearing care for people, including First Nations adults, who may not be eligible for government funded support.
“Together, these initiatives are helping more First Nations communities connect with hearing care that makes a meaningful difference to individuals and families. They are also contributing to earlier detection of ear disease, so children can get the help they need,” says Anne-Marie.
Building local capability for long-term change
Alongside service delivery, Hearing Australia is supporting the upskilling of health workers, educators and early childhood professionals to strengthen early identification and care at a local level.
Hearing Australia Managing Director, Kim Terrell, says long-term change depends on genuine partnerships with First Nations communities.
“Early hearing loss can change the course of a child’s life – but it doesn’t have to. By working in genuine partnership with First Nations communities, and bringing services directly into communities, we can make ear and hearing checks part of everyday care and ensure more children get the support they need as early as possible. This is about giving every child the opportunity to listen, learn and stay connected to their family, community and culture.”
REFERENCES
1. Based on data collected by Hearing Australia under the HAPEE Program
2. World Health Organization. World report on hearing. Geneva: World Health Organization, 2021. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240020481 (viewed June 2021)
3. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), Ear and hearing health of Indigenous children, 2024, https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/indigenous-australians/ear-hearing-health-indigenous-children-2024/summary
4. S Harkus, V Marnane, I O'Keeffe, C Kung, M Ward, N Orr, J Skinner, K Kong, L Fonua, M Kennedy and M Belfrage, Med J Aust 2023; 219 (8): 386-392. || doi: 10.5694/mja2.52100. Available from https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2023/219/8/routine-ear-health-and-hearing-checks-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander
