In an innovative collaboration, Peak Hearing and BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) have embarked on a mission to safeguard the auditory health of Moranbah and Clermont’s youngest generations.

At the heart of this initiative is Alison Collins, an audiologist dedicated to early hearing intervention. Her journey, which began with a psychology class at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), has led her to the forefront of audiology, particularly in the study and treatment of hearing issues among children.

Upon relocating to Moranbah to support her husband’s career, Alison seized the opportunity to launch her own practice, which allowed her the flexibility to tend to her children while catering to the community’s audiological needs.

With over a decade of experience, Alison believes in a patient and family-first approach.

“We can measure hearing loss, but the impact on the person or the family is where any recommendations or management needs to be directed.”

Alison’s PhD research, focusing on conductive hearing loss in children, underscores the critical nature of early detection and intervention for developmental success.

“For infants and children with an unidentified conductive hearing loss, the impacts can be almost identical to a child with an unidentified permanent hearing loss and there is the potential for speech and language delay, and social and academic difficulties.”

The collaboration with BMA arose from Alison’s initiative to implement hearing screenings within local schools, courtesy of a BMA Benefiting My Community Program grant. The program targets preparatory students, assessing their hearing to facilitate timely educational and therapeutic interventions.

“We aim to test every prep child, evaluate classroom acoustics, and enhance teacher awareness.

“Nearly every child gets an ear infection by 3 years of age. However, research is beginning to show that more children are also suffering from ‘glue ear’, a condition where fluid is present behind the ear drum (which can impact hearing) but the fluid isn’t infected so there aren’t any obvious symptoms. The hearing loss can fluctuate day to day, week to week.

“This makes it almost invisible and observing the impacts can be challenging. By understanding which children are having trouble hearing or how the cohort/class is hearing, teachers can adjust their methods to benefit the children.”

Alison said early detection can dramatically alter a child’s academic and social trajectory. By addressing hearing issues promptly, children gain access to necessary interventions, fostering better outcomes in their educational and personal development. The program not only benefits the children tested but also serves as an educational tool for parents and educators, raising awareness about the importance of auditory health.

Alison urges families to take advantage of available resources for hearing assessments.

“Hearing is foundational for educational success and social development and hearing tests are quick and easy. I’m always here to answer any questions anyone might have.”

Encouraged by the positive feedback and the evident need, Alison is keen on expanding this service to include more schools and communities.

“The goal is to make this an annual offering, extending our reach to ensure no child in the region falls through the cracks.”