General News
9 April, 2025
Deadly Ears medical team delivers the goods
The focus is on providing culturally appropriate services to ensure children receive optimal care.
A partnership between North West Hospital and Health Service and the Deadly Ears team is delivering positive outcomes for children in the region, addressing the high rates of middle ear disease.
Middle ear disease poses a significant risk to the hearing, speech development, behaviour, and learning of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
The collaboration between NWHHS and Deadly Ears is tackling this issue through improved prevention, treatment, and management strategies.
A key focus is on providing culturally appropriate services and education to ensure that children and their families receive optimal care.
The Deadly Ears team, comprising audiologists, health workers, ear-nose-throat (ENT) specialists, nurses, speech pathologists, and occupational therapists, conducts regular visits to remote communities across the North West.
Dr Bernard Whitfield is an ENT specialist with Deadly Ears and emphasised the importance of vigilance regarding ear health.
“Parents are encouraged to bring their children in for routine ear checks during health visits with GPs or other healthcare providers to catch potential problems early,” he Whitfield.
“Common signs of ear troubles include temperature, runny nose, runny ears, pulling at ears, not reacting to noises, cranky or upset temperament.
“These could all be signs of ear infection and it’s important to have these symptoms checked by a health professional.
“There are many things we can do to prevent ear infections outside of getting ear checks regularly; keeping hands and faces clean, keeping up to date with vaccinations, and cleaning ears after swimming in creeks and dams.”
NWHHS chief executive Sean Birgan said partnerships that improved access to care services that were delivered closer to home, were crucial to supporting First Nations’ peoples health and longevity.
“One of the key successes of this program is the increasing number of families attending appointments and receiving the necessary care in all our North West communities,” Mr Birgan said.
“Our partnership with Deadly Ears has brought much-needed attention to the importance of ear health in our community.
“Together we are seeing a positive impact in reducing cases of middle ear disease and ensuring better long-term health outcomes for First Nations children.”
Mrs Baira, a mother of a recent Deadly Ears patient said she was happy with the treatment.
“We had a great experience at the clinic. The staff made us feel welcome and comfortable, the team was friendly, and they took the time to explain everything clearly.”
“Our son was scheduled for surgery within the same week, and the entire process was made easy and stress free.
“On surgery day, the staff were incredibly reassuring and comforting, not only to our son but also to us as parents.
“Their calm, caring approach helped ease any concerns we had, and we truly felt that our son was in good hands.”