As thousands of children prepare to begin their first year of school, new data from Hearing Australia shows one in five First Nations children aged 0–6 are experiencing undiagnosed hearing loss before they even enter the classroom.
The findings highlight hearing loss as a largely hidden barrier that can affect listening, language development, learning and social skills in the critical early years of education. Hearing Australia is urging parents, carers, educators and local health services to prioritise hearing checks early in the school year to give children the best possible start.
Through Hearing Australia’s Hearing Assessment Program – Early Ears (HAPEE), more than 70,000 hearing assessments have been delivered to young First Nations children since the program launched in 2019. Data collected through the program shows around 37 per cent of children assessed had ear health issues, with one in five found to have undiagnosed hearing loss on at least one occasion.
HAPEE focuses on early intervention for First Nations children aged 0–6, providing free, age-appropriate hearing and middle ear function tests. Children identified with hearing or ear health issues are referred for medical attention and support services.
Yorta Yorta woman Ms Kirralee Cross, Partnership Specialist at Hearing Australia, said identifying hearing issues early is critical for school readiness and long-term learning outcomes.
“Early school years lay the foundation for lifelong learning,” Ms Cross said. “Regular ear checks when children are young – every six months and at the start of school – are vital for First Nations children, as middle ear infections can be hard to detect. Good hearing is essential for reaching key developmental milestones and thriving in the classroom and beyond.”
Alongside clinical programs, Hearing Australia is also working to support educators in early learning settings. The organisation recently launched the Spirit of Sound Educator’s Guide, a play-based resource designed to support the hearing health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children while celebrating sound, story and connection.
Since its release in September last year, the guide has been downloaded more than 1,000 times.
“The Spirit of Sound Educator’s Guide helps educators embed sound, story and connection into everyday teaching,” Ms Cross said. “It offers practical, inclusive approaches to sound-based learning to help school-aged children have the best possible start.”
Hearing Australia Managing Director Ms Kim Terrell said partnerships with communities and education and health services are central to improving outcomes.
“We are committed to working in partnership with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services and local health services, educational institutions and the broader healthcare system to help close the hearing health gap,” Ms Terrell said. “Through education and hearing health programs, we can identify children experiencing ear health issues early and connect them with support sooner, giving them a greater chance of reaching their full potential.”
The Hearing Assessment Program – Early Ears is funded by the Australian Government and is available free of charge to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who are not yet attending full-time school.
To learn more about Hearing Australia’s First Nations services visit hearing.com.au or to download the Spirit of Sound Educator’s Guide visit https://www.hearing.com.au/spiritof-sound-2025/
