SUCCESSFUL ASSAULT ON EAR DISEASE: INTENSIVE DAILY TREATMENT BY NURSES AND HEALTH WORKERS

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Abstract
A survey of 213 children between the ages of three and 13 years in a small western New South Wales town in February, 1978, revealed that 43% of 153 Aboriginal children and 7% of 60 white children were suffering from active ear disease. Sixteen per cent of Aboriginal children also had a significant hearing loss. A relationship was found between growth retardation and the presence of ear disease. Non‐medical health‐care personnel were given special training in the detection and treatment of ear disease, and an intensive treatment and community awareness programme was begun. Fifteen months later, only 28% of 138 Aboriginal children and 3% of 65 white children were suffering from active ear disease, and only 3% of Aboriginal children had a significant hearing loss. The futility of sporadic treatment of ear disease in children and the desirability of a coordinated programme of treatment and prevention are discussed.

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