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Ear Health - The Deadly Sounds Program

AHCSA’s Ear Health program is known as the Deadly Sounds Program and prides itself on working with communities by increasing ear health awareness by providing education and support to both Member Services and community.

Otitis media is a major source of ear disease in Aboriginal children aged 0-5 years and is caused by bacteria or a virus and can lead to severe ear pain, headaches and trouble hearing. Management of ear disease and hearing loss can make a significant positive difference to not only children’s health outcomes but educational, social and employment outcomes too.

The Deadly Sounds Program aims to support Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services in South Australia to maintain best practice and to offer support, training and upskilling to staff members in ear and hearing health. The program also coordinates the South Australian Ear Health Reference Group, with the focus on strengthening partnerships and collaboration in ear and hearing health across the State. 

The Deadly Sounds Program provides:

  • Support to Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHS)
  • Training Aboriginal Health Workers/Practitioners in ear health, hearing health and otitis media 
  • Support Member health staff in using equipment for ear health screening
  • Support Member health staff to implement a school screening program that meets the community’s needs
  • Support Member health staff to review their current ear health model of care and systems
  • Work with Member health staff who are managing Ear Health Programs within their service and offer support where required.