Audiology service at VAHS to support community care

The Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology recently begun a weekly hearing care clinic at the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS) in Fitzroy, marking a significant engagement in community-based healthcare.

Our second year Master of Clinical Audiology students conduct hearing assessments and hearing care suggestions for community members aged from four years, under supervision of an experienced audiologist from the University of Melbourne.

The VAHS serves as a key health resource for people across Victoria, offering an array of services from general practice to dentistry and preventative care. Given the higher prevalence of hearing loss and middle ear conditions amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, this initiative is important in improving access to culturally safe ear and hearing care.

This collaboration is possible due to close contact with Katie Edney, VAHS’s Ear Health Coordinator, to streamline hearing assessments in coordination with visiting health professionals including Ear Nose and Throat specialists from the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital.

We look forward to continuing this collaboration and engaging with community in a way that is responsive and meaningful as we support improved health outcomes for all.

^{Image: Our students, Jessie (on left) and Brielle (on right), with Katie Edney, VAHS Ear Health Coordinator.}