The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s (AIHW) Ear and hearing health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 2025 explores a range of ear and hearing health measures for First Nations people.

“First Nations children experience some of the highest rates of ear disease and hearing loss in the world, much of which is preventable,’ AIHW spokesperson Professor Kelvin Kong says.

Kong is chair of the AIHW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ear and Hearing Health Data and Reporting Advisory Group and an ear, nose and throat surgeon.

“Improved access to comprehensive, culturally appropriate and safe health services are needed to support better health outcomes among First Nations children.”

Ear and hearing problems were reported among 4.9 per cent of First Nations children aged 0–14 in 2022–23, a substantial decrease from 11.2 per cent in 2001.

These problems were mainly caused by middle ear infections.

The Federal Government says that its new initiatives, Aboriginal Medical Services, non-government organisations, and specialist medical and paramedical groups, and researchers have all contributed to the positive turnaround.

However, the proportion of First Nations people reporting a long-term ear or hearing problem has remained stubbornly similar over time. 

In 2022–23 it was an estimated 13 per cent (131,300), after ranging from around 12 per cent (in 2004–05 and 2011–13) to 15 per cent (in 2001).

High rates of ear disease (otitis media) and hearing loss in First Nations children severely impact education by causing speech delays, poor listening, attention/memory issues, lower literacy/numeracy, increased school absenteeism, behavioural problems, and ultimately, lower academic achievement, leading to significant life-long disadvantages in employment and social well-being.

This often results in a cycle of disadvantage, where hearing loss is misidentified as behavioural issues or lack of interest, impacting a child's ability to learn, develop language, and engage with school and culture. 

Later in life, ear and hearing problems can be a barrier to employment opportunities and can lead to strained relationships and isolation from community and culture.

Ear and hearing problems have also been associated with increased contact with the justice system and have been associated with cognitive decline in older adults.

“Early detection and treatment of middle ear infections are critical, especially for very young children aged 0-4, to prevent repeated infections and hearing loss,” Kong says.

Among all First Nations people, children aged 0–2 had the highest rate of presentation to an emergency department for an ear related problem.

The rate for children 0-2 has increased from 23.6 to 29.7 per 1,000 population between 2016–17 and 2023–24.

For ear related hospital procedures, First Nations children aged 3-4 had the highest rate of any First Nations age group (29.3 per 1000 population) in 2023–24.  

“Having healthy ears and being able to hear well supports language development and transmission of culture through speech, as well as learning, employment and social and community connections,” Kong says.  

While there has been significant improvement in hearing health over the past two decades, the results of the report demonstrate the need for further investment in ear and hearing health, with a focus on young First Nations children.