A Chevron Ear Health Program Update 

Our Chevron Mobile Ear Health program, based in Karratha, is run by three staff and supported by an audiologist, a nurse practitioner, an ENT and a specialised anaesthetist. The team also includes Perth-based Belinda Leksas and Trude Hallaraker.

The Karratha team works in partnership with families, communities and local services to identify children who are at risk of ear health or hearing concerns. Children are screened and referred on for audiology, medical support or allied health referrals such as Speech Pathology or Occupational Therapy.

“What we are trying to do is remove the barrier to hearing and help address any residual issues around speech development so that children can access the literacy part of what they need to do in schooling and have every success,” explained Telethon Speech & Hearing CEO Mark Fitzpatrick.

We work closely with communities, WA Country Health Services, Mawarnkarra Aboriginal Medical Services, childcare providers, the Education Department and others to support local capacity building and provide comprehensive care.

Over the years, we have established a holistic model of care, providing education and support across audiology, speech and language development and occupational therapy. This is a distinctive program to promote children’s hearing, speech, language and development, while supporting families throughout the journey.

In 2021, TSH, together with Chevron, launched an integrated speech, language and literacy program for at-risk students at Onslow Primary School and in 2023 we will further extend our services to include occupational therapy.

Our local team works closely with communities, along with a range of locally based organisations, to ensure our services are supported by the community and address their needs.