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ASOHNS ASM 2026
The prevalence of ear disease and hearing loss in the East Kimberley outreach specialist clinics – results of a new data collection initiative
Verbal Presentation

Verbal Presentation

1:55 pm

19 March 2026

Grand Ballroom 1

INDIGENOUS HEALTH WORKSHOP (TICKETED EVENT)

Themes

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Talk Description

Institution: Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital - WA, Australia

Introduction The WA Country Health Service - Kimberley ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist services are a visiting specialist service that aims to provide a comprehensive tertiary level care within this region. Although there are a myriad of different ENT and audiology presentations in this demographic, the majority of patients present with ear disease and hearing loss. The data on ENT and ear health presentations and audiological diagnoses identified during these clinic visits have never been previously collected and analysed. Aims Our objective is to utilize the findings to improve the access to healthcare to accommodate the population within the Kimberley by tailoring the type of care that is provided. Data analysis will also provide insights into the demographic patterns within this region and allow for service provision and planning. Methodology This retrospective study reviews the most common ENT presentations within the East Kimberley region using a novel point of care data collection process. The data is encrypted in WebPAS after the information is completed in a “green sheet collection form” corresponding to an ICD-10 code. The data is then analysed to identify the prevalence of disease and association between age groups, sex, Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islander status as well as clinic locations. Results The most common ENT presentation within this region is otitis media while conductive hearing loss is the most common audiological finding. These results are more prevalent within the Indigenous community and confirm the importance of providing care that prioritises otitis media and hearing loss especially early diagnosis and care. Conclusion The high prevalence of otitis media and conductive hearing loss confirm the high burden of disease in the Kimberley. These diagnoses confirm the need to ensure accessibility to healthcare apart from potential opportunities to enhance these services in the future.
Presenters
Authors
Authors

Dr Adibah Azimuddin - , Prof Jafri Kuthubutheen - , Joseph Ghandour - , Rachel Guerrini - , Azizah Roe -