Hearing Care in the Pacific Islands Symposium
Hearing health is one of the top priorities identified by Pacific Island nations. Let's come together to learn, collaborate, and contribute to a brighter future for those in need. The University of Queensland invites you to join the Hearing Care in the Pacific Islands Symposium
Listen to insights from Australian and Pacific Island clinicians and researchers as they discuss their recent efforts to address the challenges in hearing care across the Pacific Islands. These challenges impact communication, cognitive and language development, educational and employment opportunities, as well as overall well-being.
Abstract
The World Health Organisation estimated 466 million people living with hearing loss globally, the residing in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where access to hearing services is limited. Hearing loss and ear disease (including middle ear infection), affects communication, cognitive and language development, educational and employment opportunities, and well-being. The WHO identified hearing loss and ear disease as major public health issues.
Hearing care in the 22 nations of the Pacific community is particularly challenging. Wide geographical distribution of populations, workforce and resource constraints mean that hearing services are sparce and under-resourced.
Awareness of need for audiology and ear, nose and throat services is growing, and numerous small initiatives are building to a regional and coordinated effort supported and driven by Pacific communities to prevent and address ear disease and hearing loss.
This symposium, hosted by the University of Queensland Center for Hearing Research (CHEAR), presents recent work by Australian and Pacific Island clinicians and researchers in hearing care to identify and respond to the challenges of hearing care in the countries and territories of the Pacific Islands.
Speakers
- Professor Piers Dawes
- Dr Donna Carkeet
- Dr Sione Pifeleti
- Professor Philip Newall
- Associate Professor Bernard C. S. Whitfield
Agenda
- Intro Prof Piers Dawes, Director, UQ Centre for Hearing Research (CHEAR) (5 minutes)
- Ms Dallas Dowsett, Acting Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Global Partnerships) (5 minutes)
- A/Prof Bernard Whitfield (10 minutes)
- Dr Sione Pifeleti (20 minutes)
- Dr Donna Karkeet (10 minutes)
- Prof Phillip Newall (10 minutes)
Mark your calendars, spread the word, and join us online for this important symposium. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those facing hearing challenges in the Pacific Islands.