Response to the Senate Community Affairs References Committee report: Hear Us: Inquiry into hearing health in Australia
The Australian Government has responded to the 2010 Senate Inquiry report, Hear us: Inquiry into hearing health in Australia.
Some of the recommendations include:
- extended eligibility for access to free hearing services from the age of 21 years to 26 years, for Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians
- children and young people, eligible Indigenous people and adults with complex hearing, will be able to access services from further funding over four years
- universal newborn hearing screening, hearing checks for children at 3 years of age and a requirement for all Australian children to have a hearing assessment prior to starting school, through the Australian Governments Medical benefits Scheme (MBS). Urgent priority is recommended for hearing screenings and follow up for all Indigenous children from remote communities on commencement of school.
- hearing loop technology used in all government building reception areas
- a national public health campaign to increase awareness of ear disease, the importance of seeking and following treatment to prevent hearing loss for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (targeting mothers and female carers)
- the educational needs of hearing impaired Indigenous Australian children will be addressed with a five year strategy
- sound field amplification systems installed in 37 targeted remote area schools
- induction programs for teachers working in Indigenous communities, teaching them that the likelihood of hearing impairment of students will be very high in Indigenous communities
- funding to support a national Indigenous ear health conference
- funding for the expansion of the EarInfoNet over three years, by the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet
- compulsory hearing assessment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in the justice system, with the goal of improving the delivery of justice needs in a fair and equitable manner
- cultural competency training and education for all people working in the justice system
- a review of correctional facilities and practices with high Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population (greater than 10%) so hearing impaired prisoners needs are met
- funding for research into the underuse of hearing aids
Contacts
Department of Health and Ageing
Ph: 1800 500 726
Telephone typewriter (TTY): 1800 500 496
Email: hearing@health.gov.au
Links
Bibliography
Health promotion
Health practice
Yarning places
Programs
Organisations
Conferences
Courses
Funding
Jobs
