Funded through the Medical Outreach Indigenous Chronic Disease Program (MOICDP), the visiting adult audiology and ENT services delivered by Teach Speak Hear (TSH) through the Chevron Pilbara Ear Health Program are improving access to critical ear health care across the Pilbara region, supporting better hearing and stronger community engagement.
Through regular visits to communities such as Roebourne, Karratha and Onslow, TSH is delivering specialist audiology and ENT services in partnership with local ACCHS Mawarnkarra Health Service (MHS). New referrals for complex cases – such as chronic ear infections or hearing loss requiring surgical intervention – reflect growing awareness and trust in the program. Timely appointments, specialist care and follow-up have helped avoid escalation of conditions and, in some cases, even prevented surgery through improved home-based ear care and education.
One standout case involved a patient previously scheduled for surgery, whose condition improved due to diligent self-care practices encouraged by TSH. On another occasion, successful microsuction and topical treatment resolved a long-standing ear issue that hadn’t responded to general care. These results show the impact of combining clinical expertise with patient education.
TSH also works to strengthen system navigation for patients. When a client missed a specialist appointment in Perth, TSH and MHS collaborated to rebook the visit, deliver the referral in person, and assist with travel arrangements, ensuring continuity of care.
Despite the challenges of delivering services in remote settings – including distance, extreme weather events and disruptions due to cultural obligations such as Sorry Business – the program remains deeply responsive to community needs. By pairing clinical excellence with cultural sensitivity and practical support, TSH’s Chevron Pilbara Ear Health outreach service is transforming ear health care in the Pilbara – one patient at a time.