Pilbara Ear Health Model of Care

References Pilbara Ear Health Model of Care

Appendix 5: Pilbara Audiology Services

Providers Service Areas Service Type
Pilbara
Australian Hearing Pilbara Adult Paediatric
08 9226 7100
Pilbara Yes Yes
Pilbara Population
Health No Yes
08 9387 9888
Yes Yes
Telethon Speech &
Hearing/Chevron
Ear Health Program
08 9387 9877
048 785 1226

Taken from © Monley, P., & Krishnaswamy, J. (Eds.). (2015). Pilbara Ear Health Model of Care including Pilbara Ear Health and Hearing Best
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Appendix 6: Pilbara Population Health Audiology
Referral Form

Taken from © Monley, P., & Krishnaswamy, J. (Eds.). (2015). Pilbara Ear Health Model of Care including Pilbara Ear Health and Hearing Best
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PILBARA POPULATION HEALTH AUDIOLOGY REFERRAL FORM

________________________________________________________________________

Surname: Given name:

________________________________________________________________________

Address:

________________________________________________________________________

Telephone No (H): Mobile:

________________________________________________________________________
Sex: M F
Date of birth:

________________________________________________________________________

Parent/ Carers name:

________________________________________________________________________

REASON FOR REFERRAL  Other __________________
 Hearing difficulties _____________________________
 Otitis Media / Externa _____________________________
 Newborn screening refer _____________________________
 Speech /Language delay _____________________________
 Developmental delay
 Educational delay

PREFERRED SITE FOR APPOINTMENT

 Karratha South Hedland Marble Bar Warralong
 Roebourne Tom Price Newman Yandeyarra
 Nullagine Jigalong

REFERRED BY: ________________________________________________________
Address:___________________________________________________ Date:________
Contact details: Email______________________Phone___________Mobile__________

PLEASE EMAIL, FAX OR POST ALL REFERRALS TO:
Attention: Ear Health Program
E: [email protected] PH:+61 8 9387 9831 FAX: +61 8 9387 9889
PO Box 186 Wembley WA 6913

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References Pilbara Ear Health Model of Care

Appendix 7: Audiometry Testing Protocol

Government of Western Australia Department of Health. (Issued 2007, Reviewed 2008, 2013,
2014). Procedures, Hearing Assessment, Screening Audiometry (Birth to School aged children).
Community Health Manual.

Taken from © Monley, P., & Krishnaswamy, J. (Eds.). (2015). Pilbara Ear Health Model of Care including Pilbara Ear Health and Hearing Best
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Community Health Manual
Procedure

Birth to School aged children

6.3 Hearing assessment

6.3.2 Screening audiometry

Aim
To identify possible hearing loss in children from 3 years of age.

Background

Unrecognised or unmanaged hearing impairment can have a significant effect on a
child’s social, psychological and educational progress, including speech and
language development, and long term social and vocational outcomes.1, 2 The
severity of these effects will depend on a range of factors including age of onset,
type of hearing loss, degree of the loss, and other contributing factors such as
developmental delay .3

Comprehensive baseline ear health screening includes otoscopy and audiometry.
Tympanometry may be conducted in some settings by service providers working with
targeted populations.

Audiometry measures how well a person hears the range of speech frequencies.2
Frequencies are measured in hertz (Hz) and intensity is measured in decibels
(decibels Hearing Level or dB HL).

Universal screening audiometry should be performed for all children from the age of
3.5 years during the School Entry Health Assessment, usually in kindergarten.

Targeted screening audiometry may be performed on any child aged 3 years or older
where there is a concern suggested by parent or professional.

Key points

Prior to performing an audiometry test, it is important to obtain a history from
the parent/carer. The child health Personal Health Record, the School Entry
Health Assessment record (CHS 409) and the Enhanced Aboriginal Child
Health schedule all contain questions which aim to highlight parental concerns
about their child’s hearing and/or ear health. The child or teacher may also
provide information regarding the child’s ability to hear.

A history which includes recent illness, pain or discharge; a change in the
child’s ability to hear and the child’s exposure to swimming or other water-
based activities where water may have entered the ear canal can all be
indicators of a hearing concern.1, 2

Screening audiometry should be undertaken in a room where there is minimal
external noise.

Otoscopy should be performed prior to audiometry. If there is any evidence of
discharge from the ear, audiometry should not be performed and the child
should be referred to a medical practitioner for further assessment and
treatment.4

Date Issued: 2007 6 Procedures
Date Reviewed: 2008, 2013, 2014 6.3 Hearing assessment
Next Review: 2016 6.3.2 Screening audiometry

NSQHS Standards: 1.7, 1.8 Page 1 of 6

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Community Health Manual
Procedure

Birth to School aged children

Hearing is assessed at 50, 35 and then 25 dB HL at 1000 Hz and then 4000
Hz. Starting with a mid-frequency sound such as 1000 Hz will give more
information regarding the child’s overall hearing, whereas starting at a high
frequency sound such as 4000 Hz may cloud the screening process.

Children with hearing aids do not require audiometry screening but any
children in Education Support programs who are capable of performing
screening audiometry should be tested.

Community health professionals should only perform screening audiometry if
they have received appropriate training in the procedure. They should also
make sure they are familiar with the operation of the audiometer before using
it. Different makes or models have different layouts of the controls, but each
machine offers the same functions.

It is important that the examiner checks the audiometer each day before use.
Each frequency (both left and right) should be tested at 50/35/25 dB.

Each audiometer model has specific cleaning requirements. In general,
detergent wipes are appropriate, but staff should refer to manufacturers and
local area infection control guidelines for specific cleaning requirements. It is
recommended that earphones be cleaned between each child.

Community Health staff should follow the organisation’s overarching infection
prevention and management policies and perform hand hygiene in
accordance with WA Health guidelines at all appropriate stages of the
procedure.

Equipment
Calibrated audiometer (calibration date should be indicated on the machine).
Blocks in a container or pegs in a board.

Procedure

Steps Additional information

1. Engagement and consent: Encourage parent/carer support and
involvement with the procedure where
Explain the procedure to the child and possible.
parent/carer if present. Allow
sufficient time for discussion of
concerns.

Ensure either written or verbal
parental consent has been obtained
prior to proceeding with testing.

Refer to ‘Special circumstances’ Section 337(1) of the Health Act 1911
section in 4.2.4 Early detection sub- authorises nurses specified in the
policy or 4.4.2 School Entry Health schedule to examine a child without
Assessment guidelines if screening is parent consent if required.
indicated and consent not able to be

Date Issued: 2007 6 Procedures
Date Reviewed: 2008, 2013, 2014 6.3 Hearing assessment
Next Review: 2016 6.3.2 Screening audiometry

NSQHS Standards: 1.7, 1.8 Page 2 of 6

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Community Health Manual
Procedure

Birth to School aged children

Steps Additional information
obtained for a school aged child.

2. Seating: The examiner should be seated at the
same level as the child.
Child should be seated facing and
within one arm length of the examiner The audiometer controls and the
but in a position where the child examiner’s operating arm should be
cannot see the examiner’s use of the screened from the child.
audiometer controls.

3. Tasks: Instructions may include:

Different age appropriate tasks Prior to school age – ‘When you hear
should be used in order to accurately the sound (whistle or noise), give me
identify the child’s ability to hear the the block or peg.’ Blocks need to be
test sounds. passed easily between the child and
tester.
Child needs to be adequately
conditioned to the task. Kindergarten children – ‘When you hear
the sound (whistle or noise), put the
The child must kept be engaged in block in the bucket/on the table or peg
order to remain on task throughout in the board.’
the procedure.
Pre-primary and older children – ‘When
you hear the sound, wave your hand or
clap.’

4. Screening procedure: Right ear Ensure red earphone is on the right ear.

Seat the child and give instructions Always start at the loudest noise level
(task appropriate for age). 50 dB HL in order to obtain a positive
response from the child.
Place the earphones on the child’s
ears, ensuring a comfortable fit. Vary the rhythm in the tone presentation
Remove glasses and place hair to ensure you can tell that the child is
behind ears. responding to the signal rather than
guessing the timing.
Repeat instructions. Set intensity at
50 dB HL at 1000 Hz in the right ear. If there is no response at 50 dB HL the
result should be documented as ‘no
Present the tone for 2-3 seconds. If response’.
the child responds, lower to 35 dB HL
and then to 25 dB HL if responses Remember to praise the child’s
continue. responses throughout the procedure.

A pass is recorded if the child
responds twice at 25 dB HL,.

Repeat procedure at 4000 Hz in right
ear and record result.

Date Issued: 2007 6 Procedures
Date Reviewed: 2008, 2013, 2014 6.3 Hearing assessment
Next Review: 2016 6.3.2 Screening audiometry

NSQHS Standards: 1.7, 1.8 Page 3 of 6

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Community Health Manual
Procedure

Birth to School aged children

Steps Additional information

5. Screening procedure: Left ear

Set intensity at 50dB HL at 1000 Hz
in the left ear, repeat above
procedure and record result.

Repeat procedure at 4000 Hz in the
left ear, repeat above procedure and
record result.

The child is required to respond twice at 25 dB HL at both 1000 and 4000 Hz in
each ear to pass the audiometry screening.

6. Reduced response:

If a correct response is not obtained There is no requirement to assess at 30
at 25 dB HL, record the last level at and 40 dB if there is no response at
which the child did respond e.g. 35 25/35/50 dB HL.
dB HL or 50 dB HL.

If the child does not respond at 50 dB The 4-6 weeks time interval prior to
HL, re-instruct and try again. If there recheck allows for normal hearing to
is still no response enter NR (no return following a temporary conductive
response) on the record. loss which may occur with upper
respiratory tract infection.
If a child has any result greater than
25 dB HL inform the parent/carer (and A re-check letter is available if required.
teacher if in school setting) of the
need for a re-test in 4-6 weeks.

Re-test in 4-6 weeks for any result greater than 25 dB HL.

7. Recheck:

Recheck hearing at 1000 Hz and
4000 Hz, starting at 50 dB then 35
dB, then 25 dB should be offered
twice. If a child does not achieve
25/25 dB HL (twice) in either ear,
complete expanded screening.

8. Expanded screening: Expanded screening gives more
information about the child’s hearing
Expanded screening involves the and can begin to suggest a pattern of
addition of two extra frequencies- 500 hearing loss to the person receiving the
Hz and 2000 Hz. Starting at 50 dB, referral.
then 35dB then offer 25 dB twice. The
child needs to hear the sounds at 25
dB twice to pass.

Date Issued: 2007 6 Procedures
Date Reviewed: 2008, 2013, 2014 6.3 Hearing assessment
Next Review: 2016 6.3.2 Screening audiometry

NSQHS Standards: 1.7, 1.8 Page 4 of 6

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Community Health Manual
Procedure

Birth to School aged children

Steps Additional information

9. Explain results to parent/carer (if For referral processes see below.
present) or inform parent over the
phone or in writing.

If abnormal refer the child for further
audiology screening and
tympanometry, if available.

10. Documentation: Document findings in any one of the

Documentation of screening audiology following:

should include the following: Child Health- CHS 800

Initial screen 4000Hz School Health- CHS 409-2 or
CHS 412- School health progress
1000Hz notes
Right
Left CHS 142- Referral to Community
Health Nurse

Expanded screen CHS 423- Ear Health
Assessment Results.
500Hz 1000Hz 2000Hz 4000Hz

Right Documentation may include electronic
Left data.

Referral pathway

No action is required if the results are 25 dB HL in both ears at
500/1000/2000/4000 Hz.

Recheck should be conducted for any results greater than 25 dB HL in either
ear, preferably 4-6 weeks after initial testing.

Any result on recheck above 25 dB HL in either ear at 500/1000/2000/4000
Hz requires referral. Discuss results with parent or carer and seek consent for
referral to an audiologist and/or medical practitioner. Otoscopy results should
be included in referral. Tympanometry results should also be included where
available.

Use CHS 663 - Referral from Community Heath form for all referrals. Where
audiology referral is indicated, use CHS 300 - Child Development Service
Referral form.

Local area referral pathways may be used for private audiology assessments.

Always obtain parental consent for referral.

Date Issued: 2007 6 Procedures
Date Reviewed: 2008, 2013, 2014 6.3 Hearing assessment
Next Review: 2016 6.3.2 Screening audiometry

NSQHS Standards: 1.7, 1.8 Page 5 of 6

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Community Health Manual
Procedure

Birth to School aged children

Related policies, procedures and guidelines

1.11 Infection Control

3.7.3 Hearing (including effects of hearing loss)

4.4.2 School entry health assessments

6.3.1 Otoscopic examination

6.3.3 Tympanometry

Community health professionals should also refer to any service specific policies
where applicable.

Useful resources
World Health Organization. Primary ear and hearing care training resource.
Switzerland: WHO Press; 2006
Bestic J. CARPA Standard Treatment Manual. 5th ed. Alice Springs, NT, Australia:
Centre for Remote Health; 2010.

Coates H, Vijayasekaran S, Mackendrick A, Leidwinger L. Aboriginal Ear Health
Manual. Perth, WA; 2008.

Paediatric Nursing Practice Manual; Princess Margaret Hospital.
Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing, Recommendations for clinical
care guidelines on the management of otitis media in Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander populations., Menzies School of Health Research, Editor 2011
Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing: Canberra.

References

1. Rosen J, Johnson C & Wilkinson H. School-entry hearing screening: An audit
of referrals in a three year period. The Australian and New Zealand Journal of
Audiology. 2004 vol. 26, no. 2, pp. 142-148

2. Coates H, Vijayasekaran S, Mackendrick A, Leidwinger L. Aboriginal Ear
Health Manual. Perth, WA; 2008.

3. Department of Health Western Australia. Assessment of hearing in children-
Background. Government of Western Australia Department of Health. 2011.

4. Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing. Recommendations for
clinical care guidelines on the management of otitis media in Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander population. Menzies School of Health
Research,Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing: Canberra. 2011.

Date Issued: 2007 6 Procedures
Date Reviewed: 2008, 2013, 2014 6.3 Hearing assessment
Next Review: 2016 6.3.2 Screening audiometry

NSQHS Standards: 1.7, 1.8 Page 6 of 6

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References Pilbara Ear Health Model of Care

Appendix 8: Tympanometry Testing Protocol

Government of Western Australia Department of Health. (Issued 2007, Reviewed 2013).
Procedures, Hearing Assessment, Screening Audiometry (Birth to school entry, School aged
children). Community Health Manual.

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References Pilbara Ear Health Model of Care

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Appendix 9: Audiometric Hearing Screening Protocol

Setting

1. Use an audiometer with a valid certification of calibration sticker dated within the last
12 months.

2. Use headphones that have been calibrated for that audiometer.
DO NOT SWAP HEADPHONES FROM ONE AUDIOMETER TO ANOTHER – THE TEST IS INVALID

IF YOU DO THIS.
3. Seat the client in a quiet room and tell them that you are going to look intp their ears and then

check their hearing.
4. Perform otoscopy (if trained) and record the results. Continue with the test if the ear is not

totally impacted with wax.
5. Tell the client that they are going to hear some sounds through the headphones.
6. Instruct them to press the button each time they hear a sound.
7. Place the headphones over the ears. Ensure the red phone is placed over the right ear and the

blue phone over the left ear. Make sure that the speakers in the headphones are level with the
entrance to the ear canal during the test.
8. Test the better ear first if one ear is known to be significantly better than the other.

Testing Procedure

1. Commence testing at 1000Hz with the hearing level dial at 60dB, present a tone about
1 second.
a. If the client responds to the tone at 60dB, drop the level to 25dB, and present the tone about
1 second. If they respond to the tone at 25dB, present the tone again at 25dB. If they respond
the second time, tick the pass box for the threshold on the result form (i.e., Need two correct
responses at 25dB to pass for the frequency). If the client fails to respond to the tone 2nd
time, record the result on the form as ‘fail’ for the threshold.
b. If the client fails to respond to the tone at 60dB, re-instruct them and try again at 1000Hz at
60dB. If they respond, follow the Step 1 (a). If they fail to respond, record the result on the
form as ‘fail’ for the threshold.

2. Test the same ear at 4000Hz following the same procedure.
3. Repeat the Step 1 and Step 2 for the other ear.
4. Make recommendations on the form following the recommendation guidelines below.
5. Make a copy of the result form, hand it to the client, and explain the results.

Recommendation guidelines

Results Recommendations
One or more fails Recommend further tests.
Provide information about audiology services.
No fail Recommend routine check.

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Hearing Screening Result Form

Title: First Name: Last Name:

Date of Birth: // Male Female
Address:
Suburb: Post Code:

Phone: Pension Card Number if available:

Test Date: _______ /________ /________ Screener: _________________________

Screening Results at 25dB 4000 Hz
1000 Hz

Right Ear Pass Pass
Fail Fail

Left Ear Pass Pass
Fail Fail

RECOMMENDATIONS

Further testing is recommended. Contact an audiologist to make an appointment.
Your hearing is currently within acceptable limits. Have your hearing checked annually as

part of your routine health checks. Contact an audiologist if you have any concerns about
your hearing.

Taken from © Monley, P., & Krishnaswamy, J. (Eds.). (2015). Pilbara Ear Health Model of Care including Pilbara Ear Health and Hearing Best
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Appendix 10: Adult Hearing Questionnaire

Please circle yes or no to the following questions.

1 Do you have trouble hearing in social gatherings/with Yes No
background noise?

2 Do you have trouble hearing over the telephone? Yes No

3 Do you need to ask others to repeat themselves? Yes No

4 Do people complain you speak loudly? Yes No

5 Do people complain you have the TV up too loud? Yes No

6 Do people you talk to seem to mumble? Yes No

7 Can you “hear” words but not understand them? Yes No

8 Do you suffer from recurring ear infections? Yes No

9 Do you suffer from noises in your ears (tinnitus)? Yes No

10 Do you have problem with your balance unrelated to your blood Yes No
pressure?

If you answered Yes to any of these questions, further testing is recommended. Contact an
audiologist to make an appointment. Fully subsidised services for Adult Pension Card Holders
and Veterans are available through the Office of Hearing Services accredited providers. Eligibility
criterial apply. See website for details.
http://hearingservices.gov.au/wps/portal/hso/site/HSOHome

Client Information Questionnaires completed on : ______ /_______ /_______

Title: First Name: Last Name:

Date of Birth: // Male Female
Address:
Suburb: Post Code:

Phone: Pension Card Number if available:

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Appendix 11-1: Chevron Ear Health Program
Education Resources Pack
Health Professionals

1. Ear Health FAQs
2. Hearing and Communication Milestones Screening Questionnaire
3. Ear Infections Otitis Media
4. How to Prevent Ear Infections in Children
5. Nose Blowing
6. Washing Your Hands
7. Runny Ear
8. Online Resources – Education and Health Promotion Material
9. Pilbara Local Health Providers and Hearing Impaired Education Support Services

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FAQ SHEET

Ear Health FAQ’s

What does the Chevron Ear Health Program do, and is it open to all children?

The Chevron Ear Health Program is an integrated approach Education is key to the success of this program and will
to ear health prevention, education and remediation in require the work of health professionals, teachers, parents
Western Australia. Telethon Speech & Hearing, Chevron and children alike.
Australia and WA Country Health Services, along with
key stakeholders in the Pilbara region, have developed a As part of this program, Telethon Speech & Hearing run
Pilbara ear health model of care to align with the current Mobile Children’s Ear Clinics that travel to a network of
government standards for ear health. schools, kindergartens, child care centres and remote
Adopting this prevention, education and remediation communities in the Pilbara. The mobile clinics provide a free
approach will mean that children at risk of ear health issues hearing and middle ear health service for all children, with
are given every chance to reach age appropriate milestones an emphasis on those who are at increased risk of middle
in their learning and development with good hearing. ear problems.

How can I tell if my student has a is paying attention before giving directions. I’ve referred a child for a hearing test, but
hearing loss or if it’s an auditory CAPD has also been linked to chronic they came back normal. I still think there’s
processing problem? untreated ear infections, however other a problem – what should I do?
causes of CAPD are still poorly understood.
Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD) Remember hearing loss can be either
can present with similar learning, attention I’ve identified a student as having a potential conductive, resulting in temporary fluctuations
and classroom behaviours as a hearing hearing loss in my classroom, using your in hearing ability, or permanent. It is possible
loss. However, rather than a breakdown resources. What do I do now? that a child may have conductive hearing loss,
in information at the ear level (hearing however be okay on the day of screening.
loss) it is a breakdown of the sound being If you believe you have a student in your If you are still concerned and believe the
interpreted by the brain. classroom with a potential hearing difficulty, problem is hearing, it is recommended you
it is important to get their ear health and wait 6-8 weeks before requesting the child
Put simply, children with CAPD can hear hearing checked as soon as possible. to be rescreened. In some cases the parents
normally however, may have difficulty Remember that students who may not appear may wish to get the child rescreened by a
processing what different sounds mean. to be struggling with their hearing should not private practice at their own cost and this
Children with CAPD can constantly have be excluded from having their ear health and should also be communicated to them.
difficultly listening in background noise, hearing checked. They may be relying on other
remembering spoken instructions, noticing coping mechanisms to get by. Therefore, if In the meantime, measures should be taken
small differences in similar sounding words there are other reasons to be concerned about to ensure the student is learning effectively in
(e.g. fly/dry) or concentrating in noisy areas. a student’s hearing, they should be screened the classroom. It is also a good idea to read
If the child displays these characteristics and regardless of their performance in any given the question on CAPD as this may be the
copes better in quiet one-on-one environments, activity. Referral options will vary from place underlying cause of adverse behaviours and
they may be experiencing CAPD. This could to place. Have a look at the “Local Health outcomes you are observing in the child.
also be the answer to struggling students Provider’s” sheet, included in this pack, to
who are returning normal hearing results. see who you could refer to. If you are unsure, Where can I go to get more information
The only way to know for sure is to get a talk to your school health nurse for advice or or other resources?
correct diagnosis from an audiologist. ask an administrator to contact the Pilbara
EarHealth Service. There are a number of online resources
Many of the strategies which can be providing a wide variety of information on
implemented to assist children with hearing It is important that the student’s learning is ear infections and hearing loss. Please
impairment in the classroom will also kept up to date as much as possible in the refer to the ‘Online Resources’ sheet for
assist CAPD children; including reducing meantime using appropriate strategies. more information.
background noise in the classroom, teacher/
student placement and ensuring the student Alternatively, you can contact
[email protected] for further assistance.

Put simply, children with CAPD can hear normally however, may have For more details, please visit www.tsh.org.au
difficulty processing what different sounds mean.

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CHECK LIST SHEET

Hearing and
Communication
Milestones Screening
Questionnaire

The following questionnaire is designed to be used as a guide only, and is suitable for both parents and health workers. If you are
answering “no” to any of the following questions about your child (for the relevant age bracket), it is recommended you talk to your
GP about booking your child in for a full hearing test with an audiologist.

For children of 0 to 6 months YES / NO
YES / NO
Does your baby startle or wake up in response to loud sounds?
Does your baby move their gaze to follow sounds? YES / NO
Do you notice any change in their cry when they want different things? (Such as when they are tired
versus when they want a feed?)

For children of 6 to 12 months YES / NO
YES / NO
Does your baby turn their head to loud sounds? YES / NO
Does your baby appear to enjoy music and singing?
Does your baby respond to you calling their name? YES / NO
YES / NO
For children of 1 to 2 years of age YES / NO
YES / NO
Does your child babble or copy speech sounds that you make?
Can your child point to familiar items upon request?
Does your child look around in response to loud sounds?
Does your child look around when called from across the room?

For more details, please visit www.tsh.org.au

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CHECK LIST SHEET

For children of 2 to 3 years of age YES / NO
YES / NO
Does your child copy words that you say? YES / NO
Can your child label familiar items upon request? YES / NO
Is your child’s speech understood by unfamiliar people at least 50% of the time? YES / NO
Does your child respond to simple instructions when asked? YES / NO
Does your child look around in response to loud sounds?
Does your child come when called from across the room?

For children of 3 to 4 years of age YES / NO
YES / NO
Is your child speaking in sentences, using connector words such as ‘and’? YES / NO
Does your child enjoy telling stories about their activities? YES / NO
Does your child role play conversation? YES / NO
Is your child’s speech understood by unfamiliar people most of the time? YES / NO
Does your child enjoy reading books? YES / NO
Can your child watch television without turning the volume up too loud?
Does your child often hear questions clearly the first time you ask, without you having to repeat them?

For more details, please visit www.tsh.org.au

Taken from © Monley, P., & Krishnaswamy, J. (Eds.). (2015). Pilbara Ear Health Model of Care including Pilbara Ear Health and Hearing Best
Practice Workforce Guidelines. Telethon Speech & Hearing, Perth WA.

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References Pilbara Ear Health Model of Care

OTITIS MEDIA COPY PAGE

Ear Infections
Otitis Media

Otitis media

• Otitis media (OM) is the medical name for middle ear infection
• OM is one of the most common health problems experienced by children in WA
• OM is the most common cause of hearing loss in children
• OM can affect children’s hearing either temporarily or permanently, which can have an effect on normal development
• OM is preventable (see next page)

Signs and symptoms

• Cold symptoms (fever, cough, runny nose, fatigue/grumpy) – • Hearing loss
OM is more common after a cold • Gastro
• Loss of appetite
• Sore ears or pulling ears • Poor balance
• Smelly ears
• Runny ears/pus
A child may have an ear infection without any symptoms

Risk factors for ear infections • Not blowing nose (sniffing)
• Incomplete vaccinations
• Common cold • Cotton buds and other objects in ears
• Poor personal hygiene • Sharing beds with siblings
• Smoking (including passive smoking) • Failure to detect infections early can lead to more severe,
• Bottle feeding
• Not attending regular health check-ups prolonged and complicated infection
• Poor nutrition

For more details, please visit www.tsh.org.au

Taken from © Monley, P., & Krishnaswamy, J. (Eds.). (2015). Pilbara Ear Health Model of Care including Pilbara Ear Health and Hearing Best
Practice Workforce Guidelines. Telethon Speech & Hearing, Perth WA.

102

References Pilbara Ear Health Model of Care

How to prevent
ear infections in children

✕

Breastfeed – it will help fight off infections Avoid smoking near your children Get your children’s ears checked regularly

Parents can:
We can all
encourage kids to:

Make sure kids get all their vaccinations Blow their nose

Wash their hands and face Brush their teeth Eat healthy food
For more details, please visit www.tsh.org.au

Taken from © Monley, P., & Krishnaswamy, J. (Eds.). (2015). Pilbara Ear Health Model of Care including Pilbara Ear Health and Hearing Best
Practice Workforce Guidelines. Telethon Speech & Hearing, Perth WA.

103

References Pilbara Ear Health Model of Care

Nose
blowing

For more details, please visit www.tsh.org.au

Taken from © Monley, P., & Krishnaswamy, J. (Eds.). (2015). Pilbara Ear Health Model of Care including Pilbara Ear Health and Hearing Best
Practice Workforce Guidelines. Telethon Speech & Hearing, Perth WA.

104

References Pilbara Ear Health Model of Care

Washing
your hands

For more details, please visit www.tsh.org.au

Taken from © Monley, P., & Krishnaswamy, J. (Eds.). (2015). Pilbara Ear Health Model of Care including Pilbara Ear Health and Hearing Best
Practice Workforce Guidelines. Telethon Speech & Hearing, Perth WA.

105

References Pilbara Ear Health Model of Care

Runny ear

For more details, please visit www.tsh.org.au

Taken from © Monley, P., & Krishnaswamy, J. (Eds.). (2015). Pilbara Ear Health Model of Care including Pilbara Ear Health and Hearing Best
Practice Workforce Guidelines. Telethon Speech & Hearing, Perth WA.

106

References Pilbara Ear Health Model of Care

RESOURCES SHEET

Online Resources

Education and Health Promotion Material

Australian Government Department of Health Queensland Government Department of Health
www.careforkidsears.health.gov.au www.health.qld.gov.au/deadly_ears/
• More information on ear infections and hearing loss • More information on ear infections and hearing loss
• Interactive online resources • Interactive resources: blow your nose corner, face station,
• Resources: storybook, flipchart, posters, teacher fact sheet,
checklist for classroom acoustics, chatterbox, DVD, books,
activity book, colouring in sheets, stickers, memory cards, posters, fact sheets (including information on specialists) and
information for parents, FAQs, model of ear, OM guidelines for further sources of information
health workers, consultation tool • Resources and information for parents
• Workbook for health workers
Do You Hear What I Hear
www.doyouhear.org.au Government of Western Australia Department
• More information on ear infections and hearing loss of Health
• Intervention and classroom strategies for children with http://www.health.wa.gov.au/health_index/
• More information on ear infections
hearing loss • Resources: brochures
• Resources: Classroom activities and lesson plans
Northern Territory Government Department of Health
Ear Troubles http://www.health.nt.gov.au/Environmental_Health/No_
www.eartroubles.com Germs_on_Me_Campaign/index.aspx
• More information on ear infections and hearing loss • Information on the campaign and information on the importance
• Information on auditory processing
• Training opportunities and audio-visual information resources of hand washing
• Resources: DVD, poster, information resources, storybook • Resources: Posters, radio commercials and TV commercials

for children NSW Government Department of Health
http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/aboriginal/Pages/happy-kids.aspx
Department of Education • More information on ear infections and hearing loss
http://www.education.wa.edu.au • Resources: poster, brochure, pocket brochure, storybook
• More information on school programs, teacher training
Hand Hygiene Australia
Australian Hearing www.hha.org.au
www.hearing.com.au • Information on hand hygiene
• More information on hearing loss, ear infections and • Resources for Healthcare workers and Community: FAQ’s,

hearing aids manual, auditing tools, education brochures, promotion posters,
• Information resources for teachers DVD, online learning packages

Australian Indigenous Health InfoNet Human Services
www.healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au/other-health-conditions/ear www.hstac.com.au/old2011/HearThis/about/index.html
• Plain language summary of ear health issue in Australia • More information on ear infections and hearing loss
• Literature reviews on ear health • Video and audio resources
• Summary of programs and projects on ear health • Radio scripts
• Children’s book about hearing (downloadable PDF
across Australia
• Services and organisations related to ear health across Australia copy available)
• Resources: health promotion, practice, multimedia, equipment,
For more details, please visit www.tsh.org.au
OM guidelines, journals and posters
• Information on courses, training, conferences, workshops

and events
• Information on policies and strategies (Indigenous and

non-Indigenous)
• Publications including: general, specific topics, conference

presentations and key references

Taken from © Monley, P., & Krishnaswamy, J. (Eds.). (2015). Pilbara Ear Health Model of Care including Pilbara Ear Health and Hearing Best
Practice Workforce Guidelines. Telethon Speech & Hearing, Perth WA.

107

References Pilbara Ear Health Model of Care

RESOURCES SHEET

Online resources

Education and health promotion material

Kids Health
www.kidshealth.schn.health.nsw.gov.au/fact-sheets/ears/
otitis-media-middle-ear-infection
• More information on ear infections (downloadable fact sheet)

Look After Kids Ears
www.lookafterkidsears.com.au
• More information on ear infections and hearing loss
• Videos on hearing loss
• Resources: flash cards, posters, hearing checklists for parents

Remote Primary Health Care Manuals
www.remotephcmanuals.com.au
• Resource manuals for health workers, nurses, midwives, GP’s

and allied health professionals on: assessment and examination
of OM, examination chart. Applying ear drops, dry mopping
(tissue spears), management and ear and hearing problems,
syringing and wick (putting in)

Telethon Speech & Hearing
http://www.tsh.org.au
• More information regarding the organization, programs and

support services

For more details, please visit www.tsh.org.au

Taken from © Monley, P., & Krishnaswamy, J. (Eds.). (2015). Pilbara Ear Health Model of Care including Pilbara Ear Health and Hearing Best
Practice Workforce Guidelines. Telethon Speech & Hearing, Perth WA.

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References Pilbara Ear Health Model of Care

CONTACTS SHEET

Pilbara Local

Hearing Impaired Education
Support Services

ROEBOURNE ONSLOW /PANNAWONICA
Mawarnkarra Health Service (AMS) Onslow Hospital
20 Sholl Street, Roebourne WA 6718 Second Avenue, PO Box 47, Onslow WA 6710
Ph: (08) 9182 0851 Ph: (08) 9184 3200
Pannawonica Medical Centre (Sonic Health)
Roebourne Community Health 200 Pannawonica Drive, Pannawonica WA 6716
Corner Withnell Street and Hampton Street, Roebourne WA 6718 Ph: (08) 9184 1586
Ph: (08) 9182 0280 [email protected]
www.sonichealth.com.au
Roebourne Hospital Pilbara Population Health (Onslow)
51-61 Hampton Street, Roebourne WA 6718 Second Avenue, PO Box 47, Onslow WA 6710
Ph: (08) 9182 0200 Ph: (08) 9184 3211
[email protected]
Pilbara Telethon Speech & Hearing Ear Health Program www.health.wa.gov.au
Ph: 08 9387 9888 Pilbara Telethon Speech & Hearing Ear Health Program
[email protected] Ph: 08 9387 9888
www.tsh.org.au [email protected]
www.tsh.org.au
KARRATHA
Karratha Medical Centre TOM PRICE/PARABURDOO
Karratha Village, 5 Sharpe Avenue, PO Box 445, Karratha WA 6714 Ashburton Community Health Service
Ph: (08) 9185 3555 Mine Road, Tom Price WA 6715
Ph: (08) 9189 1088
Sonic Health (East) Medical Centre Tom Price Hospital
7/28 De Grey Place. Karratha WA 6714 Mine Road, PO Box 56, Tom Price WA 6751
Ph: (08) 9159 1800 Tom Price Medical Centre
[email protected] Central Road, Tom Price WA 6715
www.sonichealthplus.com.au Ph: 08) 9189 1901
Paraburdoo Medical Centre
Nickol Bay Hospital Rocklea Road, Paraburdoo WA 6751
Millstream Road, PO Box 519, Karratha WA 6714 Ph: (08) 9189 5069
Ph: (08) 9143 2333 Paraburdoo Hospital
Rocklea Road, PO Box 154, Paraburdoo WA 6754
Pilbara Telethon Speech & Hearing Ear Health Program Ph: (08) 9159 8222
Ph: 08 9387 9888 Pilbara Population Health
[email protected] Ph: (08) 9159 5210
www.tsh.org.au [email protected]
www.health.wa.gov.au
Pilbara Health Network – Karratha
2/2609 Sharpe Avenue, PO Box 839, Karratha WA 6714 For more details, please visit www.tsh.org.au
Ph: (08) 9185 6662
[email protected]
www.phn.org.au

Pilbara Population Health
2 Warambie Road, PO Box 512, Karratha WA 6714
Ph: (08) 9143 2221
[email protected]
www.health.wa.gov.au

Taken from © Monley, P., & Krishnaswamy, J. (Eds.). (2015). Pilbara Ear Health Model of Care including Pilbara Ear Health and Hearing Best
Practice Workforce Guidelines. Telethon Speech & Hearing, Perth WA.

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References Pilbara Ear Health Model of Care

CONTACTS SHEET

NEWMAN Port Hedland Community Health Centre
Morgans Street, Port Hedland WA 6721
Sonic Health Newman Ph: (08) 9173 1277
54 Mindarra Drive, Newman WA 6753
Ph: (08) 9175 1231 South Hedland Community Health Service
[email protected] Colebatch Way, South Hedland, WA 6722
www.sonichealthplus.com.au Ph: (08) 9185 9222

Pilbara Population Health (Newman) Wirraka Maya Aboriginal Health Service
Mindarra Drive, PO Box 418, Newman 6753 17 Hamilton Road, PO Box 2523, South Hedland, WA 6722
Ph: (08) 9175 8380 Ph: (08) 9172 0400
www.wmhsac.com
Puntukurnu AMS Newman (Administration only)
Newman House, 15 Iron Ore Parade, Newman WA 6753 Marble Bar Nursing Post
Ph: (08) 9177 8307 Station Street, PO Box 13, Marble Bar WA 6760
Ph: (08) 9176 1090
Newman Hospital
Mindarra Drive, PO Box 126, Newman WA 6753 Nullagine Community Health Service
Ph: (08) 9175 8333 Marble Bar Road, PO Box 19, Nullagine WA 6758
Ph: (08) 9176 2010
Puntukurnu AMS Jigalong
Jigalong, WA 6753 Australian Hearing
Ph: (08) 9175 7027 27 Wittenoom Street, East Perth WA 6004
Ph: (08) 9226 7100
Puntukurnu AMS Parnngurr (Cotton Creek)
Parnngurr, WA 6753 HEARING IMPAIRED EDUCATION SUPPORT SERVICES
Ph: (08) 9176 9057 Telethon Speech & Hearing
Ph: 08 9387 9888
Puntukurnu AMS Kunawarritji [email protected]
Kunawarritji WA 6753 www.tsh.org.au
Ph: (08) 9176 9041
School of Special Educational Needs: Sensory –
Puntukurna AMS Punmu (Formally WA Institute for Deaf Education)
Punmu WA 6753 Ph: (08) 9286 7000
Ph: (08) 9176 9013 [email protected]

HEDLAND ENT SERVICES (GP use only)
Nickol Bay Hospital
Sonic Health South Hedland Millstream Road, PO Box 519, Karratha WA 6714
Lot 3239 McLarty Blvd, South Hedland WA 6722 Ph: (08) 9143 2333
Ph: (08) 9172 5911
[email protected] Hedland Health Campus
www.sonichealthplus.com.au Colebatch Way, South Hedland, WA 6722
Postal address: PMB 12, South Hedland WA 6722
Hedland Health Campus Ph: (08) 9174 1000
Colebatch Way, South Hedland, WA 6722
Postal address: PMB 12, South Hedland WA 6722 For more details, please visit www.tsh.org.au
Ph: (08) 9174 1000

Port Hedland Medical Centre
7 Edgar Street, Port Hedland, WA 6721
Ph: (08) 9173 3733

Taken from © Monley, P., & Krishnaswamy, J. (Eds.). (2015). Pilbara Ear Health Model of Care including Pilbara Ear Health and Hearing Best
Practice Workforce Guidelines. Telethon Speech & Hearing, Perth WA.

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References Pilbara Ear Health Model of Care

Appendix 11-2: Chevron Ear Health Program
Education Resources Pack
Teachers

1. Ear Health FAQs
2. Hearing Loss in the Classroom
3. Ear Infections Otitis Media
4. How to Prevent Ear Infections in Children
5. Nose Blowing
6. Washing Your Hands
7. Runny Ear
8. Online Resources – Education and Health Promotion Material
9. Pilbara Local Health Providers and Hearing Impaired Education Support Services

Taken from © Monley, P., & Krishnaswamy, J. (Eds.). (2015). Pilbara Ear Health Model of Care including Pilbara Ear Health and Hearing Best
Practice Workforce Guidelines. Telethon Speech & Hearing, Perth WA.

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References Pilbara Ear Health Model of Care

FAQ SHEET

Ear Health FAQ’s

What does the Chevron Ear Health Program do, and is it open to all children?

The Chevron Ear Health Program is an integrated approach Education is key to the success of this program and will
to ear health prevention, education and remediation in require the work of health professionals, teachers, parents
Western Australia. Telethon Speech & Hearing, Chevron and children alike.
Australia and WA Country Health Services, along with
key stakeholders in the Pilbara region, have developed a As part of this program, Telethon Speech & Hearing run
Pilbara ear health model of care to align with the current Mobile Children’s Ear Clinics that travel to a network of
government standards for ear health. schools, kindergartens, child care centres and remote
Adopting this prevention, education and remediation communities in the Pilbara. The mobile clinics provide a free
approach will mean that children at risk of ear health issues hearing and middle ear health service for all children, with
are given every chance to reach age appropriate milestones an emphasis on those who are at increased risk of middle
in their learning and development with good hearing. ear problems.

How can I tell if my student has a is paying attention before giving directions. I’ve referred a child for a hearing test, but
hearing loss or if it’s an auditory CAPD has also been linked to chronic they came back normal. I still think there’s
processing problem? untreated ear infections, however other a problem – what should I do?
causes of CAPD are still poorly understood.
Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD) Remember hearing loss can be either
can present with similar learning, attention I’ve identified a student as having a potential conductive, resulting in temporary fluctuations
and classroom behaviours as a hearing hearing loss in my classroom, using your in hearing ability, or permanent. It is possible
loss. However, rather than a breakdown resources. What do I do now? that a child may have conductive hearing loss,
in information at the ear level (hearing however be okay on the day of screening.
loss) it is a breakdown of the sound being If you believe you have a student in your If you are still concerned and believe the
interpreted by the brain. classroom with a potential hearing difficulty, problem is hearing, it is recommended you
it is important to get their ear health and wait 6-8 weeks before requesting the child
Put simply, children with CAPD can hear hearing checked as soon as possible. to be rescreened. In some cases the parents
normally however, may have difficulty Remember that students who may not appear may wish to get the child rescreened by a
processing what different sounds mean. to be struggling with their hearing should not private practice at their own cost and this
Children with CAPD can constantly have be excluded from having their ear health and should also be communicated to them.
difficultly listening in background noise, hearing checked. They may be relying on other
remembering spoken instructions, noticing coping mechanisms to get by. Therefore, if In the meantime, measures should be taken
small differences in similar sounding words there are other reasons to be concerned about to ensure the student is learning effectively in
(e.g. fly/dry) or concentrating in noisy areas. a student’s hearing, they should be screened the classroom. It is also a good idea to read
If the child displays these characteristics and regardless of their performance in any given the question on CAPD as this may be the
copes better in quiet one-on-one environments, activity. Referral options will vary from place underlying cause of adverse behaviours and
they may be experiencing CAPD. This could to place. Have a look at the “Local Health outcomes you are observing in the child.
also be the answer to struggling students Provider’s” sheet, included in this pack, to
who are returning normal hearing results. see who you could refer to. If you are unsure, Where can I go to get more information
The only way to know for sure is to get a talk to your school health nurse for advice or or other resources?
correct diagnosis from an audiologist. ask an administrator to contact the Pilbara
EarHealth Service. There are a number of online resources
Many of the strategies which can be providing a wide variety of information on
implemented to assist children with hearing It is important that the student’s learning is ear infections and hearing loss. Please
impairment in the classroom will also kept up to date as much as possible in the refer to the ‘Online Resources’ sheet for
assist CAPD children; including reducing meantime using appropriate strategies. more information.
background noise in the classroom, teacher/
student placement and ensuring the student Alternatively, you can contact
[email protected] for further assistance.

Put simply, children with CAPD can hear normally however, may have For more details, please visit www.tsh.org.au
difficulty processing what different sounds mean.

Taken from © Monley, P., & Krishnaswamy, J. (Eds.). (2015). Pilbara Ear Health Model of Care including Pilbara Ear Health and Hearing Best
Practice Workforce Guidelines. Telethon Speech & Hearing, Perth WA.

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References Pilbara Ear Health Model of Care

TEACHERS FACT SHEET

Hearing loss
in the classroom

• Hearing loss may be sensori-neural, conductive or a mixture of the two
• Sensori-neural hearing loss is due to damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve and is usually permanent
• Conductive hearing loss, however, is a result of blockage or reduction of sound waves passing through the

outer or middle ear
• As many as 70% of children may be experiencing conductive hearing loss at any particular time
• One out of every three primary school age children may have some form of conductive hearing loss at any given time

One of the main preventative What should I look out for? How can I help?
causes of hearing loss is Otitis
Media (middle ear infection). Common signs that a student in your There are a number of strategies which
classroom may be experiencing hearing can be used to help assist children in your
Conductive hearing loss from OM may last loss include: classroom who may have a hearing loss –
from 1-2 days or up to three months or many of which are simple, easy and can
more. A child affected by OM may experience • Inattention have a big impact on their learning and life.
periods of normal hearing followed by • Saying “what” all the time
periods of inability to hear properly. • Slow to respond or not responding • Student placement – sit student towards
In chronic untreated cases of OM, a child’s the front of the classroom – and away
hearing ability rarely returns to normal. to questions from distracting noise sources
• Inappropriate voice volume
Impacts of untreated hearing loss: • Teacher placement – face student when
(yelling or whispering) talking –avoid talking to the board
• Speech delays • Behavioural problems
• Language problems • Social issues • Soundfield amplification
• Behavioural issues • Easily distracted
• Social problems • Doesn’t seem to hear • Implement a buddy system – have a
• Balance problems • Poor school work or low educational ‘buddy’ that can repeat information to
• Safety concerns the student if it’s missed
• Low educational attainment attainment
• Looking around or copying other • Using visual cues, pictures and gestures
These impacts will have further long term
implications on school attendance, high students after teacher’s instructions • Minimising background noise (i.e.
school completion, employment and the • Dislikes loud noise air conditioners) during important
justice system. • Poor literacy/vocabulary classroom sessions
• Poor school attendance
• Encourage social behaviour in and
Who do I refer to? outside of the classroom

There are a number of health providers • Check for attention before talking
in the Pilbara who are able to assist in the to the student
screening and rehabilitation process. For
teachers, we recommend referring to one of • Try to have soft furnishings in the
the following people if you think you have a classroom – avoid hard surfaces
student who needs to be screened.
• Put rubber stops on the bottom of
• School health nurse chairs and tables where necessary
• Pilbara Earhealth team to reduce noise
• Local GP (if mum and dad can take them)
• Read to students

• Encourage reading out-loud to build
auditory attention

• Rephrase information rather than
repeating and where possible,
check that the student has
understood the information

For more details, please visit www.tsh.org.au

Taken from © Monley, P., & Krishnaswamy, J. (Eds.). (2015). Pilbara Ear Health Model of Care including Pilbara Ear Health and Hearing Best
Practice Workforce Guidelines. Telethon Speech & Hearing, Perth WA.

113

References Pilbara Ear Health Model of Care

OTITIS MEDIA COPY PAGE

Ear Infections
Otitis Media

Otitis media

• Otitis media (OM) is the medical name for middle ear infection
• OM is one of the most common health problems experienced by children in WA
• OM is the most common cause of hearing loss in children
• OM can affect children’s hearing either temporarily or permanently, which can have an effect on normal development
• OM is preventable (see next page)

Signs and symptoms

• Cold symptoms (fever, cough, runny nose, fatigue/grumpy) – • Hearing loss
OM is more common after a cold • Gastro
• Loss of appetite
• Sore ears or pulling ears • Poor balance
• Smelly ears
• Runny ears/pus
A child may have an ear infection without any symptoms

Risk factors for ear infections • Not blowing nose (sniffing)
• Incomplete vaccinations
• Common cold • Cotton buds and other objects in ears
• Poor personal hygiene • Sharing beds with siblings
• Smoking (including passive smoking) • Failure to detect infections early can lead to more severe,
• Bottle feeding
• Not attending regular health check-ups prolonged and complicated infection
• Poor nutrition

For more details, please visit www.tsh.org.au

Taken from © Monley, P., & Krishnaswamy, J. (Eds.). (2015). Pilbara Ear Health Model of Care including Pilbara Ear Health and Hearing Best
Practice Workforce Guidelines. Telethon Speech & Hearing, Perth WA.

114

References Pilbara Ear Health Model of Care

How to prevent
ear infections in children

✕

Breastfeed – it will help fight off infections Avoid smoking near your children Get your children’s ears checked regularly

Parents can:
We can all
encourage kids to:

Make sure kids get all their vaccinations Blow their nose

Wash their hands and face Brush their teeth Eat healthy food
For more details, please visit www.tsh.org.au

Taken from © Monley, P., & Krishnaswamy, J. (Eds.). (2015). Pilbara Ear Health Model of Care including Pilbara Ear Health and Hearing Best
Practice Workforce Guidelines. Telethon Speech & Hearing, Perth WA.

115

References Pilbara Ear Health Model of Care

Nose
blowing

For more details, please visit www.tsh.org.au

Taken from © Monley, P., & Krishnaswamy, J. (Eds.). (2015). Pilbara Ear Health Model of Care including Pilbara Ear Health and Hearing Best
Practice Workforce Guidelines. Telethon Speech & Hearing, Perth WA.

116

References Pilbara Ear Health Model of Care

Washing
your hands

For more details, please visit www.tsh.org.au

Taken from © Monley, P., & Krishnaswamy, J. (Eds.). (2015). Pilbara Ear Health Model of Care including Pilbara Ear Health and Hearing Best
Practice Workforce Guidelines. Telethon Speech & Hearing, Perth WA.

117

References Pilbara Ear Health Model of Care

Runny ear

For more details, please visit www.tsh.org.au

Taken from © Monley, P., & Krishnaswamy, J. (Eds.). (2015). Pilbara Ear Health Model of Care including Pilbara Ear Health and Hearing Best
Practice Workforce Guidelines. Telethon Speech & Hearing, Perth WA.

118

References Pilbara Ear Health Model of Care

RESOURCES SHEET

Online Resources

Education and Health Promotion Material

Australian Government Department of Health Queensland Government Department of Health
www.careforkidsears.health.gov.au www.health.qld.gov.au/deadly_ears/
• More information on ear infections and hearing loss • More information on ear infections and hearing loss
• Interactive online resources • Interactive resources: blow your nose corner, face station,
• Resources: storybook, flipchart, posters, teacher fact sheet,
checklist for classroom acoustics, chatterbox, DVD, books,
activity book, colouring in sheets, stickers, memory cards, posters, fact sheets (including information on specialists) and
information for parents, FAQs, model of ear, OM guidelines for further sources of information
health workers, consultation tool • Resources and information for parents
• Workbook for health workers
Do You Hear What I Hear
www.doyouhear.org.au Government of Western Australia Department
• More information on ear infections and hearing loss of Health
• Intervention and classroom strategies for children with http://www.health.wa.gov.au/health_index/
• More information on ear infections
hearing loss • Resources: brochures
• Resources: Classroom activities and lesson plans
Northern Territory Government Department of Health
Ear Troubles http://www.health.nt.gov.au/Environmental_Health/No_
www.eartroubles.com Germs_on_Me_Campaign/index.aspx
• More information on ear infections and hearing loss • Information on the campaign and information on the importance
• Information on auditory processing
• Training opportunities and audio-visual information resources of hand washing
• Resources: DVD, poster, information resources, storybook • Resources: Posters, radio commercials and TV commercials

for children NSW Government Department of Health
http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/aboriginal/Pages/happy-kids.aspx
Department of Education • More information on ear infections and hearing loss
http://www.education.wa.edu.au • Resources: poster, brochure, pocket brochure, storybook
• More information on school programs, teacher training
Hand Hygiene Australia
Australian Hearing www.hha.org.au
www.hearing.com.au • Information on hand hygiene
• More information on hearing loss, ear infections and • Resources for Healthcare workers and Community: FAQ’s,

hearing aids manual, auditing tools, education brochures, promotion posters,
• Information resources for teachers DVD, online learning packages

Australian Indigenous Health InfoNet Human Services
www.healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au/other-health-conditions/ear www.hstac.com.au/old2011/HearThis/about/index.html
• Plain language summary of ear health issue in Australia • More information on ear infections and hearing loss
• Literature reviews on ear health • Video and audio resources
• Summary of programs and projects on ear health • Radio scripts
• Children’s book about hearing (downloadable PDF
across Australia
• Services and organisations related to ear health across Australia copy available)
• Resources: health promotion, practice, multimedia, equipment,
For more details, please visit www.tsh.org.au
OM guidelines, journals and posters
• Information on courses, training, conferences, workshops

and events
• Information on policies and strategies (Indigenous and

non-Indigenous)
• Publications including: general, specific topics, conference

presentations and key references

Taken from © Monley, P., & Krishnaswamy, J. (Eds.). (2015). Pilbara Ear Health Model of Care including Pilbara Ear Health and Hearing Best
Practice Workforce Guidelines. Telethon Speech & Hearing, Perth WA.

119

References Pilbara Ear Health Model of Care

RESOURCES SHEET

Online resources

Education and health promotion material

Kids Health
www.kidshealth.schn.health.nsw.gov.au/fact-sheets/ears/
otitis-media-middle-ear-infection
• More information on ear infections (downloadable fact sheet)

Look After Kids Ears
www.lookafterkidsears.com.au
• More information on ear infections and hearing loss
• Videos on hearing loss
• Resources: flash cards, posters, hearing checklists for parents

Remote Primary Health Care Manuals
www.remotephcmanuals.com.au
• Resource manuals for health workers, nurses, midwives, GP’s

and allied health professionals on: assessment and examination
of OM, examination chart. Applying ear drops, dry mopping
(tissue spears), management and ear and hearing problems,
syringing and wick (putting in)

Telethon Speech & Hearing
http://www.tsh.org.au
• More information regarding the organization, programs and

support services

For more details, please visit www.tsh.org.au

Taken from © Monley, P., & Krishnaswamy, J. (Eds.). (2015). Pilbara Ear Health Model of Care including Pilbara Ear Health and Hearing Best
Practice Workforce Guidelines. Telethon Speech & Hearing, Perth WA.

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CONTACTS SHEET

Pilbara Local

Hearing Impaired Education
Support Services

ROEBOURNE ONSLOW /PANNAWONICA
Mawarnkarra Health Service (AMS) Onslow Hospital
20 Sholl Street, Roebourne WA 6718 Second Avenue, PO Box 47, Onslow WA 6710
Ph: (08) 9182 0851 Ph: (08) 9184 3200
Pannawonica Medical Centre (Sonic Health)
Roebourne Community Health 200 Pannawonica Drive, Pannawonica WA 6716
Corner Withnell Street and Hampton Street, Roebourne WA 6718 Ph: (08) 9184 1586
Ph: (08) 9182 0280 [email protected]
www.sonichealth.com.au
Roebourne Hospital Pilbara Population Health (Onslow)
51-61 Hampton Street, Roebourne WA 6718 Second Avenue, PO Box 47, Onslow WA 6710
Ph: (08) 9182 0200 Ph: (08) 9184 3211
[email protected]
Pilbara Telethon Speech & Hearing Ear Health Program www.health.wa.gov.au
Ph: 08 9387 9888 Pilbara Telethon Speech & Hearing Ear Health Program
[email protected] Ph: 08 9387 9888
www.tsh.org.au [email protected]
www.tsh.org.au
KARRATHA
Karratha Medical Centre TOM PRICE/PARABURDOO
Karratha Village, 5 Sharpe Avenue, PO Box 445, Karratha WA 6714 Ashburton Community Health Service
Ph: (08) 9185 3555 Mine Road, Tom Price WA 6715
Ph: (08) 9189 1088
Sonic Health (East) Medical Centre Tom Price Hospital
7/28 De Grey Place. Karratha WA 6714 Mine Road, PO Box 56, Tom Price WA 6751
Ph: (08) 9159 1800 Tom Price Medical Centre
[email protected] Central Road, Tom Price WA 6715
www.sonichealthplus.com.au Ph: 08) 9189 1901
Paraburdoo Medical Centre
Nickol Bay Hospital Rocklea Road, Paraburdoo WA 6751
Millstream Road, PO Box 519, Karratha WA 6714 Ph: (08) 9189 5069
Ph: (08) 9143 2333 Paraburdoo Hospital
Rocklea Road, PO Box 154, Paraburdoo WA 6754
Pilbara Telethon Speech & Hearing Ear Health Program Ph: (08) 9159 8222
Ph: 08 9387 9888 Pilbara Population Health
[email protected] Ph: (08) 9159 5210
www.tsh.org.au [email protected]
www.health.wa.gov.au
Pilbara Health Network - Karratha
2/2609 Sharpe Avenue, PO Box 839, Karratha WA 6714 For more details, please visit www.tsh.org.au
Ph: (08) 9185 6662
[email protected]
www.phn.org.au

Pilbara Population Health
2 Warambie Road, PO Box 512, Karratha WA 6714
Ph: (08) 9143 2221
[email protected]
www.health.wa.gov.au

Taken from © Monley, P., & Krishnaswamy, J. (Eds.). (2015). Pilbara Ear Health Model of Care including Pilbara Ear Health and Hearing Best
Practice Workforce Guidelines. Telethon Speech & Hearing, Perth WA.

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References Pilbara Ear Health Model of Care

CONTACTS SHEET

NEWMAN Port Hedland Community Health Centre
Morgans Street, Port Hedland WA 6721
Sonic Health Newman Ph: (08) 9173 1277
54 Mindarra Drive, Newman WA 6753
Ph: (08) 9175 1231 South Hedland Community Health Service
[email protected] Colebatch Way, South Hedland, WA 6722
www.sonichealthplus.com.au Ph: (08) 9185 9222

Pilbara Population Health (Newman) Wirraka Maya Aboriginal Health Service
Mindarra Drive, PO Box 418, Newman 6753 17 Hamilton Road, PO Box 2523, South Hedland, WA 6722
Ph: (08) 9175 8380 Ph: (08) 9172 0400
www.wmhsac.com
Puntukurnu AMS Newman (Administration only)
Newman House, 15 Iron Ore Parade, Newman WA 6753 Marble Bar Nursing Post
Ph: (08) 9177 8307 Station Street, PO Box 13, Marble Bar WA 6760
Ph: (08) 9176 1090
Newman Hospital
Mindarra Drive, PO Box 126, Newman WA 6753 Nullagine Community Health Service
Ph: (08) 9175 8333 Marble Bar Road, PO Box 19, Nullagine WA 6758
Ph: (08) 9176 2010
Puntukurnu AMS Jigalong
Jigalong, WA 6753 Australian Hearing
Ph: (08) 9175 7027 27 Wittenoom Street, East Perth WA 6004
Ph: (08) 9226 7100
Puntukurnu AMS Parnngurr (Cotton Creek)
Parnngurr, WA 6753 HEARING IMPAIRED EDUCATION SUPPORT SERVICES
Ph: (08) 9176 9057 Telethon Speech & Hearing
Ph: 08 9387 9888
Puntukurnu AMS Kunawarritji [email protected]
Kunawarritji WA 6753 www.tsh.org.au
Ph: (08) 9176 9041
School of Special Educational Needs: Sensory –
Puntukurna AMS Punmu (Formally WA Institute for Deaf Education)
Punmu WA 6753 Ph: (08) 9286 7000
Ph: (08) 9176 9013 [email protected]

HEDLAND ENT SERVICES (GP use only)
Nickol Bay Hospital
Sonic Health South Hedland Millstream Road, PO Box 519, Karratha WA 6714
Lot 3239 McLarty Blvd, South Hedland WA 6722 Ph: (08) 9143 2333
Ph: (08) 9172 5911
[email protected] Hedland Health Campus
www.sonichealthplus.com.au Colebatch Way, South Hedland, WA 6722
Postal address: PMB 12, South Hedland WA 6722
Hedland Health Campus Ph: (08) 9174 1000
Colebatch Way, South Hedland, WA 6722
Postal address: PMB 12, South Hedland WA 6722 For more details, please visit www.tsh.org.au
Ph: (08) 9174 1000

Port Hedland Medical Centre
7 Edgar Street, Port Hedland, WA 6721
Ph: (08) 9173 3733

Taken from © Monley, P., & Krishnaswamy, J. (Eds.). (2015). Pilbara Ear Health Model of Care including Pilbara Ear Health and Hearing Best
Practice Workforce Guidelines. Telethon Speech & Hearing, Perth WA.

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References Pilbara Ear Health Model of Care

Appendix 11-3: Chevron Ear Health Program
Education Resources Pack
Parents/Guardians

1. Hearing and Communication Milestones Screening Questionnaire
2. Ear Infections Otitis Media
3. How to Prevent Ear Infections in Children
4. Nose Blowing
5. Washing Your Hands
6. Runny Ear
7. Online Resources – Education and Health Promotion Material
8. Pilbara Local Health Providers and Hearing Impaired Education Support Services

Taken from © Monley, P., & Krishnaswamy, J. (Eds.). (2015). Pilbara Ear Health Model of Care including Pilbara Ear Health and Hearing Best
Practice Workforce Guidelines. Telethon Speech & Hearing, Perth WA.

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References Pilbara Ear Health Model of Care

CHECK LIST SHEET

Hearing and
Communication
Milestones Screening
Questionnaire

The following questionnaire is designed to be used as a guide only, and is suitable for both parents and health workers. If you are
answering “no” to any of the following questions about your child (for the relevant age bracket), it is recommended you talk to your
GP about booking your child in for a full hearing test with an audiologist.

For children of 0 to 6 months YES / NO
YES / NO
Does your baby startle or wake up in response to loud sounds?
Does your baby move their gaze to follow sounds? YES / NO
Do you notice any change in their cry when they want different things? (Such as when they are tired
versus when they want a feed?)

For children of 6 to 12 months YES / NO
YES / NO
Does your baby turn their head to loud sounds? YES / NO
Does your baby appear to enjoy music and singing?
Does your baby respond to you calling their name? YES / NO
YES / NO
For children of 1 to 2 years of age YES / NO
YES / NO
Does your child babble or copy speech sounds that you make?
Can your child point to familiar items upon request?
Does your child look around in response to loud sounds?
Does your child look around when called from across the room?

For more details, please visit www.tsh.org.au

Taken from © Monley, P., & Krishnaswamy, J. (Eds.). (2015). Pilbara Ear Health Model of Care including Pilbara Ear Health and Hearing Best
Practice Workforce Guidelines. Telethon Speech & Hearing, Perth WA.

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References Pilbara Ear Health Model of Care

CHECK LIST SHEET

For children of 2 to 3 years of age YES / NO
YES / NO
Does your child copy words that you say? YES / NO
Can your child label familiar items upon request? YES / NO
Is your child’s speech understood by unfamiliar people at least 50% of the time? YES / NO
Does your child respond to simple instructions when asked? YES / NO
Does your child look around in response to loud sounds?
Does your child come when called from across the room?

For children of 3 to 4 years of age YES / NO
YES / NO
Is your child speaking in sentences, using connector words such as ‘and’? YES / NO
Does your child enjoy telling stories about their activities? YES / NO
Does your child role play conversation? YES / NO
Is your child’s speech understood by unfamiliar people most of the time? YES / NO
Does your child enjoy reading books? YES / NO
Can your child watch television without turning the volume up too loud?
Does your child often hear questions clearly the first time you ask, without you having to repeat them?

For more details, please visit www.tsh.org.au

Taken from © Monley, P., & Krishnaswamy, J. (Eds.). (2015). Pilbara Ear Health Model of Care including Pilbara Ear Health and Hearing Best
Practice Workforce Guidelines. Telethon Speech & Hearing, Perth WA.

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References Pilbara Ear Health Model of Care

OTITIS MEDIA COPY PAGE

Ear Infections
Otitis Media

Otitis media

• Otitis media (OM) is the medical name for middle ear infection
• OM is one of the most common health problems experienced by children in WA
• OM is the most common cause of hearing loss in children
• OM can affect children’s hearing either temporarily or permanently, which can have an effect on normal development
• OM is preventable (see next page)

Signs and symptoms

• Cold symptoms (fever, cough, runny nose, fatigue/grumpy) – • Hearing loss
OM is more common after a cold • Gastro
• Loss of appetite
• Sore ears or pulling ears • Poor balance
• Smelly ears
• Runny ears/pus
A child may have an ear infection without any symptoms

Risk factors for ear infections • Not blowing nose (sniffing)
• Incomplete vaccinations
• Common cold • Cotton buds and other objects in ears
• Poor personal hygiene • Sharing beds with siblings
• Smoking (including passive smoking) • Failure to detect infections early can lead to more severe,
• Bottle feeding
• Not attending regular health check-ups prolonged and complicated infection
• Poor nutrition

For more details, please visit www.tsh.org.au

Taken from © Monley, P., & Krishnaswamy, J. (Eds.). (2015). Pilbara Ear Health Model of Care including Pilbara Ear Health and Hearing Best
Practice Workforce Guidelines. Telethon Speech & Hearing, Perth WA.

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