The Victorian Diagnostic Audiology Group (VDAG) met in Warrnambool, country Victoria recently to discuss challenges and innovations in audiology, especially regional settings.
The meeting on 13 and 14 September 2024 brought together 28 audiologists, Indigenous health workers and the Victorian Infant Hearing Screening Program area managers to discuss pressing topics and advancements in hearing health, with a focus on regional and rural care.
Warrnambool audiologist Mr Tim Rayner who hosted the meeting said it served as an essential platform for fostering collaboration and sharing knowledge across the audiology community.
The Kirrae and KOKO Dance Troupe, an Indigenous Australian group, opened the event. Members blend traditional and contemporary dance styles to convey stories, spirituality and cultural heritage, drawing from their connection to the Kirrae Whurrong people of southwestern Victoria.
Topics covered included:
- Clinical audiologist internships in regional Victoria.
Presenters, Warrnambool audiologists Ms Abeer Arshad and Ms Rachel Ong, said training the next generation of audiologists was critical, and discussed clinical internship programs geared towards bolstering the rural audiology workforce. The internships offer the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in regional clinics, a vital step in addressing the shortage of healthcare professionals in rural areas, they said. The interns also discussed what made their experiences different from urban internships.
- The Victorian Infant Hearing Screening Program in regional areas.
The program’s acting director, Ms Larissa Ralph, along with Warrnambool audiologists Tim Rayner and Ms Lauren Jubb, discussed the importance of early detection of hearing impairments in infants. They also highlighted efforts being made to expand access to screening services in Victoria’s regional areas. With early intervention critical for developmental outcomes, the presentation focused on improving accessibility and effectiveness in remote communities. Challenges of the local clinic providing this service were also highlighted.
- The Victorian Cochlear Implant Program (VCIP) Partnership.
Mr Raoul Wills, a cochlear implant audiologist from The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, and Warrnambool audiologist Mr Kyle Moir discussed the program and the advancement of cochlear implant technology. The session detailed the program’s partnerships and their role in facilitating greater access to cochlear implants for people in regional Victoria through VCIP Partnerships.
- The Rural Workforce Agency Victoria and Healthy Ears Indigenous Program.
Ms Sarah Irving, health team leader, Kirrae Health Services, Framlingham Aboriginal Community, Rayner and Kyle Moir spoke about addressing the unique needs of Indigenous communities. The session explored the Healthy Ears Program, an initiative designed to reduce hearing health disparities. The collaboration with the Rural Workforce Agency Victoria aims to deliver targeted healthcare interventions to Indigenous populations and ensure equitable access to audiological care. - The history and importance of the Victorian Diagnostic Audiology Group.
Rayner gave a presentation delving into VDAG’s history and its vital role in shaping the landscape of audiology in Victoria. He said the group’s collaborative efforts had been essential in developing standards and promoting best practices for hearing health professionals.
- Case study: sudden hearing loss and local SSNHL trends.
He also presented a case study on sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) in the local population. It covered local trends and outlined best practices in diagnosis and treatment, shedding light on how early intervention could improve recovery outcomes. “I also discussed the steps we take in local areas to access quick identification and treatment of SSNHL and close relationships with medical professionals,” he said.
A dinner presentation by Hearing Business Alliance (HBA) CEO and Hearing Health Sector Alliance (HHSA) chair, Ms Jane MacDonald brought practitioners together to discuss the business side of audiology.
“Tim’s leadership in hosting the event reflects the growing importance of regional and rural voices in shaping Victoria’s approach to hearing health,” MacDonald said.
Those who attended all sessions on both days were eligible for 6.5 CPD points.
