Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet

This summary of ear disease and hearing loss among Indigenous people is one of a series in this Journal. The objective of the series is to briefly review current literature and provide statistical information about specific areas of Indigenous health. The series draws largely on published information, some of which may be re-analysed to provide clearer comparisons between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. Ear disease, particularly otitis media (OM), and hearing loss are significant public health problems in many Aboriginal communities, particularly in remote areas and among children (1).1 OM- an inflammation of the middle ear – occurs in various forms. Criteria for identifying the different forms of OM vary, but generally accepted definitions are provided in Box 1 (2). OM often occurs as a result of another illness (such as a cold) and is caused by bacterial or viral infections of the middle ear. OM may lead to impaired hearing – this is usually mild to moderate in degree, and may be intermittent or persistent according to the form of OM. However, without effective treatment and follow-up OM may become chronic, increasing the risk of permanent hearing loss (1,3)