Otitis Media (Ear Infection) in Indigenous Australians

Summary Otitis media is exceedingly prevalent in Australian Aboriginal children, and causes a hearing loss that lasts throughout childhood and often into adult life. Recurrent infections and associated hearing loss hinders learning and educational opportunities, and may have life-long impacts. We are committed to reducing the burden of ear infection amongst Indigenous children, through clinical and experimental research.

Project Details

Otitis media is exceedingly prevalent in Australian Aboriginal children, and causes a hearing loss that lasts throughout childhood and often into adult life.  Recurrent infections and associated hearing loss hinders learning and educational opportunities, and may have life-long impacts.  We are committed to reducing the burden of ear infection amongst Indigenous children, through clinical and experimental research.  In the laboratory we are investigating disease burden by defining the microbiology of chronic otitis media and the immunological impact this has on Indigenous children.

Our group also leads a large-scale NHMRC supported clinical trial to determine the best surgical treatment for otitis media. Through several partnerships we also conduct clinical audits to improve clinical outcomes and guide future policy to improve detection, prevention, management and follow up of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people diagnosed with ear disease and other ENT dysfunction.

Our team welcomes honours students with an interest in Indigenous Health, microbiology, audiology, medicine and surgery to assist with the goal of reducing the impact of ear disease upon Indigenous children.