Keeping Storytelling Alive: Improving hearing outcomes in rural Australia
We have been delivering the Healthy Hearing Outback program for the Nyiyaparli and Martu people in the East Pilbara region of Western Australia since 2014. In partnership with the Puntukurnu Aboriginal Medical Service (PAMS) and funded by Rural Health West, the program provides Audiology and ENT consultation and upskilling of local health professionals and community members.
Community members benefit from seeing our specialist clinical team who provides tertiary ear and hearing care to children and adults. We examine, diagnose, treat and refer patients for surgery on country in one visit.
We offer services in: Newman | Jigalong | Parnngurr | Punmu | Kunawarritji
Most recently, BHP is providing $825,000 to enhance our programs and further improve the ear and hearing health outcomes of Aboriginal families in the East Pilbara region.
Mineral Resources (MinRes) also supports the Healthy Hearing Outback program, committing $600,000 over 3 years. An Ear Health Coordinator was appointed in 2023 to champion on-the-ground logistical support for patients needing treatment or surgery. MinRes support is also helping to deliver an integrated service model that combines ear, nose and throat services via telehealth (TeleENT) with on-the-ground resources.
The Healthy Hearing Outback program is made possible by Rural Health West’s Outreach program, which is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health.
Researchers at Ear Science have been working on new ways to help treat certain conditions such as otitis media. ClearDrum©, an almost invisible ear implant, is set to revolutionise the way eardrums are repaired in millions of people around the world, including children in remote Aboriginal communities who suffer from chronic middle ear disease.
New partnership with BHP for Healthy Hearing Outback Program
Collaborating closely with the community, Puntukurnu Aboriginal Medical Service (PAMS) and other stakeholders, BHP is providing $825,000 to Ear Science’s philanthropic arm – the Gift of Hearing – to enhance the institute’s programs and further improve the ear and hearing health outcomes of Aboriginal families in the East Pilbara region.
Over a three-year period, the much-needed funding will be directly channeled into improving access to vital ear and hearing services on country, reducing the need for travel.
Helping improve hearing outcomes in rural communities
Almost 9 in 10 Aboriginal children in remote areas experience serious middle ear infections that can cause hearing loss. We are doing something about it.
