As thousands of Australian families prepare for their child’s first year of school, Hearing Australia data shows that one in five First Nations children aged 0-6 experience undiagnosed hearing loss.
Hearing Australia says this is a hidden barrier which can impact listening, language, learning, and social skills. It’s urging parents, carers, educators and local health services to prioritise hearing checks early in the school year to give every child the best possible start.
Its provided more than 70,000 hearing assessments through its Hearing Assessment Program – Early Ears (HAPEE) to young First Nations children since the program launched in 2019.
About 37% had ear health issues, with one in five experiencing undiagnosed hearing loss at least once.
Through HAPEE, children are then referred for medical attention and support services.
“Identifying and addressing hearing issues early, before school starts, is important for children’s success,” said Yorta Yorta woman Ms Kirralee Cross, partnership specialist at Hearing Australia.
“Early school years lay the foundation for lifelong learning. Regular ear checks when they’re young – every six months and at the start of school – are vital for First Nations children, as middle ear infections can be hard to detect.
“Good hearing is essential for reaching key developmental milestones and thriving in the classroom and beyond.”
HAPEE data shows that about 8% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children assessed experience chronic persistent ear trouble.
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) recently revealed that for ear related hospital procedures, First Nations children aged three to four had the highest rate of any First Nations age group in 2023–2024.
Spotting the signs and regular checks can even the playing field for school starters said ENT surgeon Professor Kelvin Kong AM, chair of the AIHW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ear and Hearing Health Data and Reporting Advisory Group.
“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.”
HAPEE is a national program focusing on early intervention and delivering services to First Nations children aged 0-6, with more than 10,000 children accessing the program every year. A free hearing check includes age-appropriate tests of hearing and middle ear function.
Play-based resources
To strengthen school readiness, Hearing Australia recently launched the Spirit of Sound Educator’s Guide – a new play-based resource to celebrate the power of sound and support the hearing health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in early learning settings. It has been downloaded more than 1,000 times since it was released in September 2025.
“The guide helps educators embed sound, story and connection into everyday teaching,” Cross said. “It offers practical, inclusive approaches to sound-based learning to help school-aged children have the best possible start.”
Mr Kim Terrell, Hearing Australia managing director said: “We are committed to working in partnership with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services and local health services, educational institutions and the broader healthcare system to help close the hearing health gap.
“Through education and hearing health programs, we can identify children experiencing ear health issues early and connect them with support sooner, in turn giving them a greater chance of reaching their full potential.”
Learn more here about Hearing Australia’s First Nations services.
Download the Spirit of Sound Educators’ Guide.
