Djaalinj Waakinj (listening and hearing) Ear Health program recently carried out its 100th free grommet surgery.
Launched in 2018, Djaalinj Waakinj connects ear health researchers with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families living in Perth’s southern suburbs, visiting babies from just two months of age to check their ears.
The program is part of a research project operated by the Ear Health team at the Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, at The Kids Research Institute Australia.
It has provided specialist treatment for more than 430 families whose children have middle ear infections, known as otitis media (OM) or are showing early signs of this.
With around 50% of Aboriginal children suffering debilitating OM by six to eight months, Djaalinj Waakinj has been described as “life changing” for the families who have been able to access free, fast-tracked urgent specialist treatment and grommet surgery.
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Associate Professor Val Swift, co-director for the Djaalinj Waakinj Centre for Ear and Hearing Health and Aboriginal cultural guidance advisor at the Wesfarmers Centre, said the ability to avoid a long waitlist for treatment had an immeasurable impact on these children.
“OM can cause permanent hearing loss if not caught and treated early, and unfortunately, many children are living with untreated ear disease over a long period of time, which causes long-term issues with language, behavioural and educational development,” she said.
“Seeking help for recurrent infections and understanding the treatment and surgery process can be very overwhelming, so the families participating in Djaalinj Waakinj are very grateful to the partners involved for walking alongside them throughout this journey.”
Acting Professor George Sim performed the 100th grommet procedure at St John of God Murdoch Hospital.
Staff from the hospital have also helped to fund the no-cost surgeries and support the Djaalinj Waakinj families by raising more than $140,000 through fundraisers such as cake stalls, book sales and raffles.
This, combined with contributions from St John of God Health Care, takes the total amount raised to just under $220,000.
Ben Irish, St John of God Murdoch Hospital chief executive, said countless possibilities have now been unlocked for these kids, including the opportunity to start school with the ability to hear and learn.
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