In May 2025, Rural Health West supported the delivery of ear and hearing health education sessions in Broome and Kununurra to support the capability of local health professionals in preventing, identifying, and managing ear disease – an ongoing and significant health issue in many remote Aboriginal communities.
This training was an identified need through the Kimberley Ear Health Coordinating Panel and coordinated as part of a working group from the Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Service, Aboriginal Health Council of WA, TAFENSW, Hearing Australia, Ord Valley Aboriginal Health Service, and Rural Health West.
The sessions facilitated both foundational and advanced training in otoscopy, tympanometry, and referral pathways. The workshops were tailored to meet the needs of community health workers and school health teams, who play a critical role in early detection and management of hearing loss in children.
In Broome, 25 participants from six organisations attended the training, representing ten different health professions. The interactive format was highly valued, with all attendees rating the quality of the education and speakers as either “excellent” or “good”. Participants appreciated the balance of theory and hands-on learning.
“I really enjoyed the practical sessions,” one participant noted. “Using the equipment, looking at images, and discussing what we are seeing really helped consolidate the learning.” Feedback from the Kununurra session highlighted the value of scenario-based learning and the relevance of practical skills to everyday clinical work.
This training supports a broader strategy to reduce the burden of preventable hearing loss in the Kimberley by empowering local practitioners with knowledge and tools. By focusing on early intervention and culturally appropriate care, the initiative contributes to long-term improvements in hearing outcomes – particularly for Aboriginal children – and strengthens the capacity of the regional workforce to deliver better ear health care, closer to home.