Supporting children's hearing, speech and confidence

Smiling indigenous mum and son with ENT doctor in a hospital ward
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For many Indigenous children, access to specialist healthcare isn't guaranteed — particularly when it comes to ear health, hearing and speech support. Yet these services can make a lasting difference to a child's wellbeing, confidence and learning.

That's where Cockburn Integrated Health's Aboriginal Ear Health Program plays a vital role.

Through a dedicated team of ENT specialists, audiologists and speech pathologists, the program provides culturally safe, specialist care for children experiencing ear disease such as otitis media (middle ear disease). Alongside improving hearing, the program also support speech development, social participation, school readiness and overall wellbeing. These areas are closely linked to a child's long-term outcomes.

A community grant of $8,700 from Alinta Energy is helping Cockburn Integrated Health continue delivering these services to children who may otherwise miss out on early intervention and specialist support. The funding has also helped provide iPads, laptops and software used to make sessions more fun and engaging for the kids.

By making care more accessible, the program helps reduce the long-term impacts of hearing loss and gives children a stronger start at school and beyond.

By supporting programs like this, more children can access the care they need to learn, connect and thrive.

In a medical office, a doctor examines a young boy's ear using an otoscope
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A young doctor examines a toddlers ears in a hospital setting
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About Cockburn Integrated Health

Cockburn Integrated Health provides accessible, affordable, multi-disciplinary healthcare for the local community. Its services are designed to respond to the needs and priorities of the Cockburn population, bringing health professionals together to deliver coordinated, community-focused care that supports better health and wellbeing for all.