Hearing Awareness Week 27 Feb - 3 March and World Hearing Day 3 March

Keep Your Ears Healthy

Hearing Awareness Week is held at this time each year to raise awareness on how to prevent deafness and hearing loss and promote ear and hearing care across the world. It is recommended that all children are screened for hearing so any issues can be detected early.

Hearing Australia has developed an app called Sound Scouts in collaboration with Australia’s National Acoustic laboratories, the research arm of Hearing Australia.  Middle ear problems make up the majority of hearing issues experienced by school students. At St Clare’s, we encourage all the Prep students and other students identified by the class teachers to participate in the Sound Scout hearing screener.  Hearing assessments are important as optimal educational outcomes are dependent on good hearing. Children’s hearing can fluctuate depending on the ear health at different times.  A visit to the doctor can help address these issues, either on the spot, with medication treatment or by providing a referral to an Ear, Nose & Throat Specialist. 

Permission notes will be sent home this week with the Prep students for them to participate in the Sound Scout hearing screener. The school receives a report from Sound Scout once the hearing screener has been completed and this is forwarded to parents with recommendations. If you would like to research more information about the Sound Scouts Hearing check, you can on the following website: https://soundscouts.com

Keep Your Ears Healthy

Follow these simple tips from the World Health Organisation: 

DO use earplugs in noisy places

DO check your hearing regularly (we recommend Sound Scouts )

DO wear your hearing aids regularly, as advised

DO see a doctor if you have ear or hearing problems

DON’T put cotton buds, oil, sticks or pins inside your ears

DON’T swim or wash in dirty water

DON’T share earphones or earplugs

DON’T listen to loud sounds or loud music