Testing of ear health

There is a lack of definitive data regarding the extent of hearing loss amongst school students in PNG and the Solomon Islands. The Primary and Secondary Teacher Education Project funded by the Australian Government reports that PNG special education resource centre staff have suggested that “up to 50% of students have some hearing loss in many areas of PNG” (August, 2016).

 

Much of the hearing loss is thought to be related to poor ear health and limited health services. The Pacific Islands are thought to have among the highest rates of otitis media (middle ear infections)* in the world. Bougainville is the most northerly of the Solomon Island group. A study of primary school students in Honiara, Solomon Islands showed that 56.6% failed an ear examination, with otitis media being the most common ear pathology. (A Kaspar. 2016)

 

Bougainville Besties Inc. funded otoscopes and one of only two Tympanometers and printers currently available on Bougainville.   Ear examinations by Callan Services officers of primary school children who participated in the Harim Gut Mo project  found 66% of the school students who underwent an otoscope inspection were found to have ear health conditions.  Further tympanometer testing to determine how well the middle ear functions found 65% of those students did not pass the test.  

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The study findings highlight the urgent need to assist Bougainville to provide enhanced basic ear health services, particularly for its young people, through community health centres in addition to increased outreach by Callan Services.

 

* Otosis media is an infection of the air-filled space behind the eardrum (the middle ear) usually caused by bacteria or viruses. Infections typically happen after any condition that keeps fluid from draining from the middle ear via the eustachian tubes such as colds and respiratory infection. Children typically have shorter, more horizontal, and narrower eustachian tubes that are more likely to get blocked.