Self-reported hearing loss in urban Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults: unmeasured, unknown and unmanaged.

Background Effective management of hearing loss in adults is fundamental for communication, relationships, employment, and learning. This study examined the rates and management of self-reported hearing loss in urban Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults. Methods A retrospective, observational study of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged ≥15years who had annual health checks at an urban Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander primary healthcare clinic in Inala, Queensland, was conducted to determine self-reported hearing loss rates by age and ethnic groups stratified by sex.

Mixed-methods evaluation of screening for hearing loss using the hearScreen™ mobile health application in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children presenting to an urban primary healthcare service.

Recommendations for hearing screening for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged 4 years have a limited evidence base. Using the hearScreen™ (HearX, Camden, DE, USA) mobile health application as part of a mixed-methods study, the aim of this study was to assess the proportion of 4-year-old Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children with hearing difficulties, as well as the feasibility and acceptability of the test itself. Of the 145 4-year-old Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who were regular patients of the service during the recruitment period, 50 were recruited to the present study.