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Middle Ear Problems in Aboriginal School Children Cause Developmental and Educational Concerns
Judith A Thorne
CNC Audiometry, Northern Rivers Area Health Service, NSW
Abstract
An epidemiological study was carried out in the year 2000 and sought to
measure the occurrences of middle ear disease and hearing loss within
school aged (4 years to 12 years) Aboriginal children.
A number of the
local schools and preschools in Coraki and Lismore with a high
percentage of Aboriginal students were selected in an effort to
identify service gaps regarding essential hearing screenings and
assessments. A total of 185 (370 ears) Aboriginal children aged 4 years
to 12 years were examined from four schools and three preschools. This
examination included otoscopy, tympanometry and audiometry. Data were
collected as each child was tested and this was then entered into a
computer database on returning to the work place.
Results indicated
that 61.08% of these children had middle ear problems of some type.
Unilateral hearing loss of 30dB or greater was found in 10.80% of
children, bilateral hearing loss of 30dB and greater was found in
22.16%, and perforation of tympanic membranes in 3.24%.
Suggestions are
made in relation to the need for ongoing training of Aboriginal
Community Audiometrists to provide community, school and preschool
screening programs together with health related promotional activities
to minimise the occurrences of ear infections.
Keywords
Aboriginal children, middle ear problems, hearing loss, educational concerns, behavioural problems
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