Hearing Loss in Aboriginal Children – What Every Teacher should know*

Abstract

Aboriginal children are particularly susceptible to ear disease and therefore to loss of hearing. In fact, it is a reasonable generalization that at any one time, around 25% of Aboriginal children have significant hearing loss. All teachers should know something about hearing disorders and classroom management. It is even more important for those of us who teach Aboriginal children. I want to do three things, Firstly, I want to look at ear disease itself, because we must understand what we are talking about. Secondly, I want to talk about the implications for classroom management. Thirdly, and somewhat less importantly, I want to provide some medical statistical data, for those who perhaps in some other context may feel the need to justify concern in this matter.