Cockburn Aboriginal Ear Health Program
Free ENT/Audiology Programs for Aboriginal Children
How We Work?
Our Story
The Cockburn Aboriginal Ear Health Program was established in 2019 after a study by The Kids Research Institute found high rates of Otitis Media and hearing loss in Aboriginal infants in the South Metropolitan Area.
Access to timely care is limited due to long wait times and restricted services. In response, Cockburn Integrated Health partnered partnered with several providers and ENT surgeons to create a specialised ENT and audiology program. The program also receives funding support from various organisations. This program improves access to ear health services and surgical options for Aboriginal children at no cost to the family.
Good News Stories
Kiara, age 1
Kiara was booked in for bilateral grommets after being diagnosed with glue ear at the Cockburn Aboriginal Ear Clinic. She received surgery on 10/12/24 and had a successful recovery. Her mother has had a positive experience with the Cockburn Aboriginal Ear Health Program in the past, and states:
“My daughter came through 3 years ago, and the program has really improved over the years. Communication is great. Loved the phone calls from Moniesh to remind us. Also love the family room at the clinics and we like the activities.”
Brooklyn, age 6
Brooklyn visited the Cockburn Aboriginal Ear Health clinic to assess her levels of hearing. It was found that her hearing had diminished and required surgery for a set of grommets. The improvement in her hearing after the grommets were inserted was significant, allowing her to hear much better. The surgery for the set of grommets was “super quick,” says her father, “taking only 10-15 minutes, and her recovery was excellent—she was back to normal the same day.”
Kiari, age 2
Kiari had abnormal ear health results and a family history of grommets. She visited Cockburn Integrated Health for check-ups in the latter half of 2024 and was scheduled for surgery in February 2025. Pre-surgery, Kiari’s guardian says, “Excited to be having the surgery today. Last time she was unwell, so we are glad she is feeling better and able to have the surgery.”
Ebony, age 4
Ebony’s father took Ebony to a doctor in East Perth after she had hearing troubles, only to discover that she had a build-up of fluid behind her ears. She was taken to Dr. Lannigan’s Derbarl Yerrigan clinic on 23/07/2024 and diagnosed with glue ear, needing bilateral grommet insertions. She received surgery at Rockingham Hospital on 11/11/2024 as part of the Cockburn Aboriginal Ear Health Program and recovered seamlessly. Her father tells us:
“At first I was nervous bringing Ebony in. Being a parent of a young child, it’s stressful knowing she’s receiving surgery at such a young age. The nurses at Rockingham kept me informed about what was going on every 30 minutes, and made sure Ebony was not scared throughout the entire process. This took a lot of stress off my shoulders and I’m very appreciative of the effort all the staff and surgeon have put in.”
Regarding Ebony’s recovery, he says:
“Once we got home, she had a nap and now she’s back to her normal, energetic self. There’s no irritation in her ears and she’s able to go to day-care and school with no issues. I’d like to again thank everyone involved.”
Malcolm, age 5
5-year-old Malcolm was taken to the Cockburn Aboriginal Ear Health Program clinic on 04/11/2024 for a follow-up for his previous ENT surgeries at Rockingham Hospital. Dr. Travis Leahy, an ENT surgeon who is part of the Cockburn Program, found that Malcolm’s surgeries had been successful in improving his hearing and that he has had major improvement in speech and learning. His balance is excellent and his mum is very happy with his reading and speech. His mum says:
“Malcolm has had two surgeries and we can’t believe how much he has progressed. He is talking so well; he didn’t talk before the surgeries.”
Malcolm is now due for a follow-up and repeat audiology test in 2025 to assess his progression.
Dwayne, age 9
The build-up of fluid in Dwayne’s ears has been present since being 1 years old and has caused him considerable pain to the extent that he needed specialist intervention.
Dwayne’s mother took him to see Dr. Francis Lannigan at the Cockburn Aboriginal Ear Health Program’s clinic on 09/09/2024, and he was diagnosed with otitis media with effusion (OME) and nasal congestion. Consequently, he was booked for grommet insertion and an adenoidectomy at Rockingham Hospital, which was undertaken on 11/11/2024. The surgery was successful, and Dwayne’s recovery was smooth. His mother states:
“We had a great experience at the hospital. The nurses kept Dwayne entertained with a Nintendo Switch and a colouring book while we were waiting, and Dr. Lannigan was so helpful. Everything went smoothly at the Cockburn clinic too; I have no negative feedback.”
Testimonials
“Since my boys have had their grommets placed in, their behaviour has improved. The speech in my 5yr old is getting better, we haven’t had one ear infection since. I truly thank all the doctors and staff that work for the ENT clinic at Cockburn.”
“Malcolm has had two surgeries and we can’t believe how much he has progressed. He is talking so well; he didn’t talk before the surgeries.”
Referral Process
- Self-Referral or Professional Referral: Families can simply self-refer or be referred by a health professional.
- Contact Details: For any referrals, please send to ENT@cihealth.com.au or by phone at 0423 535 320
- Further Information: For more information or any questions, please contact us using the details below.
Contact details
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