Deadly Ears Workshop

Healthy ears and good hearing are essential for children to be able to develop and flourish. It allows children to be able to learn how to talk, engage with others, play and be safe. Most children experience otitis media, or middle ear disease, at some stage during early childhood and in most cases, the condition resolves itself, quickly and with limited or no medical intervention. However, it is a recurring problem which can develop regularly. The condition becomes a serious health problem when children experience otitis media frequently and persistently, and is accompanied by a hearing loss. Otitis media is more common in children due to many factors; including the angle of the Eustachian tube and position of the adenoids.

OTITIS MEDIA IN ABORIGINAL & TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER CHILDREN IS CHARACTERISED BY:

• Earlier Onset: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander babies and infants get otitis media at a younger age
• Higher Frequency: Otitis media occurs more often and repeatedly in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
• Greater Severity: More Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children get the worst forms of the disease.
• Persistency: For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, otitis media lasts for longer periods of time.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Identify and manage high risk patient with otitis media
• Identify the different ear pathologies related to the middle and outer ear.
• Develop diagnostic skills to assess ears and hearing in children.
• Develop an appropriate follow-up and/or referral system/management plan for patients who had swabs taken.