Another very quick (46 second video) regarding aboriginal ear health. Hearing impairment can be of major concern when it comes to children learning and may result in serious consequences developmentally. One condition that is quite common in the community where I reside is called 'Otitis media' otherwise known as glue ear.
This condition has been reported to be more prevalent in indigenous communities and in low socio-economic groups. When it comes to hearing impairment there are three major areas which seem to be affected - inner ear; middle ear and outer ear, Otitis media affects the middle ear.
Some of the symptoms known to be associated with Otitis media include:
- behavioural problems;
- complaints regarding sore ears
- difficulty hearing
- hearing buzzing noises
I will be focusing on hearing impairment as one of my forms of diversity as this is one field that is particularly relevant to where live. Being able to recognise the symptoms and perhaps escalate medical treatment may avoid the long term effects.
Do you know why it is more prevalent in indigenous communities? My friend works as an audiologist in the NT. I'll ask her for some info and post it here! And I'll ask if she has any strategies for working with children who have a hearing impairment.
ReplyDeleteAccording to our text, otitis media has been shown to be more prevalent among low socio-economic groups and within Indigenous communities. Why is a good question though. I know things like boils are 'very' common in these communities and sometimes this is because the heat / humidity / possibly standards of living in some circumstances. Thanks for sending through the link though for additional info...
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