Hearing Health

532 Ms BEDFORD (Florey) (23 June 2021). What role does poor hearing, particularly induced through lack of attention to conditions such as Otitis Media, play in retarding and impeding learning in both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students and what measures are in place in the education department to alleviate the loss of education?

The Hon. J.A.W. GARDNER (Morialta—Minister for Education): I have been advised of the following:

In addition to the information I have already provided; it is well known that hearing loss can have a severe impact on an individual’s development and education. The impact on language development which has implications on reading and writing, is well documented and has the potential to effect literacy long-term and negatively affect employment and life prospects.

The Department for Education has a number of initiatives to support children and families affected by hearing loss from diagnosis through the Early Intervention Service and through detection with the screening of Indigenous student hearing on the APY Lands and in the metropolitan area. These screening programs provide referrals for medical intervention and further audiology support through Hearing Australia.

In addition, the department provides statewide specialist support through Special Educators Hearing who offer support to children, families, preschools and schools from diagnosis through to the end of schooling.

Four Centres of Deaf Education and 2 specialist preschool programs are in place providing inclusive support to children and students with severe hearing loss.

In recognition of the need for specialist support required by those with hearing loss the department funds staff members wishing to learn Auslan and offers scholarships to teaching staff to gain a master’s qualification to become a Teacher of the Deaf.