Mr Toby Hayden1, Mr Kevin Logan1, Mr Luke Austin1, Ms Emily Furness1, Dr Traci Flynn1
1Hearing Australia, , Australia
Biography:
Toby Hayden is a Whadjuk, Ballardong Noongar & Badimia Yamatji man, with a strong dedication for working with his community, he has worked in Aboriginal Health for the last 10+ years as an Aboriginal Health Practitioner. He now works with Hearing Australia in his role as a Clinical Community Advisor providing essential Ear Health & Hearing care to his community, Improving hearing outcomes through early detection and Intervention across Western Australia in Hearing Australia’s First Nations Outreach services.
Abstract:
Children in rural and remote Australia experience the highest rates of ear disease globally, with profound impacts on health, education, and lifelong outcomes. Early identification and management are crucial to breaking this cycle.
This hands-on workshop equips remote area nurses with practical skills and confidence in performing otoscopy and tympanometry—two essential tools for assessing ear health in children. Designed specifically for the remote context, the session recognises the critical importance of ear health surveillance and the unique challenges in isolated practice settings.
Participants will gain a clear understanding of how otoscopy and tympanometry support early diagnosis, alongside hands-on experience through practical demonstrations and supervised practice. The workshop covers correct examination techniques, equipment handling, and interpretation of normal and abnormal findings.
Recognising the realities of remote practice, we'll explore practical solutions to common challenges including limited equipment access, difficult examination environments, managing children with behavioural concerns, and interpreting inconclusive results. Participants will develop strategies to integrate routine ear assessments into well-child checks and acute presentations, even within resource-constrained settings.
This workshop is ideal for nurses committed to improving ear health outcomes for children in rural and remote communities.
Expected Outcomes:
• Improved Practical Skills: Participants will confidently perform otoscopy and tympanometry on children.
• Increased Diagnostic Accuracy: Participants will recognize abnormal ear findings, leading to earlier identification.
• Greater Awareness: Participants will understand the high burden of ear disease in rural children and the importance of routine screening.
• Clinical Application: Participants will be empowered to integrate ear health assessments into their rural practice.
• Recognition of Limits: Participants will understand when and why to refer children for further evaluation if otoscopy and tympanometry findings are unclear or concerning.