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Middle ear disease in Aboriginal children in Perth: analysis of hearing screening data, 1998-2004
Corinne J Williams1, Harvey L Coates, Elaine M Pascoe
1School of Psychology, Curtin University of Technology, Perth, WA, Australia. c.j.williams@curtin.edu.au
Insights
Middle ear disease affects 42% of Aboriginal primary school children in Perth, often causing hearing loss. Early identification and management are crucial for this vulnerable population.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
- Audiology
Background:
- Middle ear disease is a common childhood illness with potential long-term consequences.
- Aboriginal children experience disproportionately high rates of middle ear disease.
- Targeted school-based screening programs are vital for early detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of middle ear disease in Aboriginal primary school children in Perth, Western Australia.
- To identify factors associated with middle ear disease and hearing impairment in this population.
- To inform public health strategies for managing ear health in Indigenous children.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of ear testing records from a 6-year period in three Perth primary schools.
- Inclusion of Aboriginal children aged 4-12 years attending the schools during testing.
- Data collection on diagnoses of middle ear disease and hearing impairment.
Main Results:
- Middle ear disease was diagnosed in 42.0% of children (n=50).
- Hearing loss (mild or moderate) was detected in 19.1% of children (n=18).
- Prevalence of both conditions decreased with age, with no seasonal variation.
Conclusions:
- Middle ear disease represents a significant health issue for Aboriginal children in Perth, linked to hearing loss.
- Age is a key correlate, with younger children being more affected.
- Continued focus on early identification and management by health authorities is essential.
Objective:
To describe diagnoses and correlates of middle ear disease in Aboriginal primary school children in a targeted school-testing program in Perth, Western Australia.
Design And Setting:
Analysis of records of ear testing carried out over a 6-year period in three primary schools in Perth.
Participants:
Aboriginal children of primary school age (4-12 years) who attended the schools on the day of testing. Data on middle ear disease and hearing impairment were available for 119 and 94 children, respectively, from their first test.
Main Outcome Measures:
Proportions of children with middle ear disease and hearing loss.
Results:
Middle ear disease was diagnosed in 50 children (42.0%; 95% CI, 33.0%-51.4%). Rates were lower in older children (P = 0.002) but did not differ according to season of testing. Hearing loss (mild or moderate) was detected in 18 children (19.1%; 95% CI, 11.8%-28.6%). Hearing impairment was also less prevalent in older children (P = 0.007) and had no association with season of testing.
Conclusions:
Middle ear disease is a significant problem for Aboriginal children in Perth, and is associated with mild-moderate hearing loss. Health authorities must continue to focus on appropriate identification and management of the disease in this population.
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