Audiology Australia (AudA) has developed a new, free online training module to help audiologists and other hearing professionals nationwide improve their understanding of culturally responsive hearing care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The 80-minute training video entitled, “Working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Families”, arms participants with practical tools and approaches they can implement immediately to elevate their practice.
These include how to ask meaningful questions, practise deep listening, the art of taking client history and respectfully exploring test results, and how to create a culturally safe space.
Other topics include the importance of asking clients whether they are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, and alignment of parent and caregiver concerns with clinical results.
Audiology Australia CEO Ms Leanne Emerson said the module, which was developed by AudA members in collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members and allies, addressed a gap in audiologist-led cultural training.
“This is the first audiology-led training opportunity that provides a broad overview of working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families, including very relevant insights applicable in different settings across Australia,” Emerson said.
“It was designed to cater to the diverse needs of hearing health professionals. It will enhance your ability to deliver care that truly meets the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients regardless of whether you work in the heart of the Northern Territory or in central Melbourne.”
While the training is tailored towards audiologists, the inclusion of speakers representing varied professional perspectives, including audiologists in policy development, Aboriginal health practitioners, and artists, ensures it is also applicable to ENTs and other hearing care professionals, said AudA president Dr Barbra Timmer.
“Audiology Australia is pleased to offer this one-of-a-kind training opportunity as part of our commitment to opening up the world of ear and hearing healthcare for the wellbeing of all,” Dr Timmer said.
“We invite our colleagues from across the hearing health sector to view this training in the Audiology Australia portal.”
Audiology Australia thanked contributors to the training: Mr Dixon Patten (Bitja) (Bayila Creative), Ms Sam Harkus (AudA Board and Hearing Australia), Ms Rebecca Allnutt, Ms Debbie Taylor-Thomson and Ms Jennifer Stuart (NT Health), Ms Katie Edney and Ms Ashleigh Dyson (Victorian Aboriginal Health Service), Northern Sydney Local Health District (NSLHD) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Service, NSLHD Mental Health Drug and Alcohol, and the City of Greater Dandenong.
Audiology Australia members who complete the training will be eligible for 1.5 CPD points (category 1.2).
Find out more about the training