For Health Professionals

How you can help

Health workers, nurses and doctors who work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families can help prevent ear disease and hearing loss by:

• checking children’s ears whenever they visit the health service (even if they are there for another reason)
• explaining how to prevent ear disease
• explaining the symptoms of ear disease, including that it doesn’t always cause pain or other symptoms
• explaining the the link between ear disease and hearing loss
• explaining that ear disease and hearing loss are not normal and need treatment.

'Kids’ ears should be checked every time they’re at the clinic. If they’re coming in for an immunisation, a chest infection, or even a splinter on their toe – check their ears. A quick 10-minute test can make all the difference. It’s impossible to overestimate the importance of kids’ hearing.' Sandi Nelson – ear and hearing health worker, NT

How Care for Kids’ Ears resources can help

Educating parents and carers about ear health is a big part of preventing ear disease.

The Care for Kids’ Ears resources can help do this in a way that is engaging and easy to understand. They can help you explain:

• how to keep ears healthy
• how to recognise ear disease
• what to do if children have a sore ear
• the importance of having regular ear checks.