More than 300 people from around Australia and the world attended the 7th Otitis Media Australia (OMOZ) 2024 conference in Newcastle this week, August 27 to 30, to shine a spotlight on chronic ear disease.
Organisers said the sold-out event united top researchers, clinicians and public health professionals to address the critical health issue.
The conference aimed to raise awareness and promote a holistic approach to improving ear health, providing a platform for professionals dedicated to investigating and treating chronic ear disease in Australia. Its program blended cutting-edge science with grassroots health initiatives, featuring keynote addresses and presentations from experts in ear health, public health and Indigenous health.
OMOZ 2024 chair, Professor Kelvin Kong AM, said: “We brought in the best minds and collaborators from around the globe to tackle the persistent challenge of chronic ear disease. This conference was a golden opportunity to showcase research, foster connections, and discuss strategies to address this significant health issue that affects so many, particularly in Indigenous communities.”
Federal Health Minister, Mr Mark Butler, praised the significance of the event and the leadership of Professor Kelvin Kong who he said was a trailblazer.
“As Australia’s first Indigenous surgeon and one of the country’s leading ENT specialists, his dedication to improving hearing outcomes for all Australian children, especially First Nations kids, is unparalleled,” Mr Butler said. “His work in research and in remote communities is a testament to his commitment to healthcare in Australia. It’s through gatherings like OMOZ that we can continue to improve ear and hearing health outcomes across Australia.
“We are working closely with the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) and leading First Nations researchers, including Professor Kelvin Kong, through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ear and Hearing Health Partnership Committee. Together, we are identifying ways to prevent hearing loss and improve ear health for First Nations people, reflecting our commitment under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.”
A key focus was health and wellbeing of First Nations communities, who experience disproportionately high rates of chronic ear disease. Indigenous leaders including Nathan Towney, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Indigenous Strategy and Leadership at the University of Newcastle, emphasised the importance of Indigenous leadership in healthcare.
Professor Kong reiterated the significance of Indigenous voices attending the conference and said: “We want to ensure Indigenous voices are not just heard but are central to the conversation. That’s why we dedicated the first day as a ‘mob only day.’ It’s crucial that our communities lead the way in shaping solutions to the ear health challenges we face.”
Sessions focused on Indigenous leadership and culturally safe discussions around ear health, clinical practice and research, global perspectives, equity, ethics and innovation.
Speakers included Dr Shelly Chadha, Technical Lead for Ear and Hearing Care at the World Health Organization, who discussed global strategies for improving ear health. D. Celestine Aho, Acting Head of the Infection and Immunity Unit at the Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, shared insights from her research on acute respiratory infections and otitis media in PNG.
Associate Professor Dr Rob Eisenberg, supervisor of surgical training for ENT, Head, and Neck Surgery in the Hunter-New England region, explored links between otitis media and climate change while Professor Amanda Leach, leader of the Ear Health Research Program at the Menzies School of Health Research, presented the latest research on vaccines and ear disease.
*There will be more coverage and photos in the next edition of Hearing Practitioner Australia magazine.
