Symposium brings Asia Pacific region together to address hearing loss
The Inaugural Asia Pacific Hybrid Symposium: Recent Advances in Ear and Hearing Care was held on 15 May at Science Gallery Melbourne and was supported by the Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology and the Nossal Institute for Global Health.
The Symposium provided a dynamic platform for experts and stakeholders from across the region to come together, sharing in insightful discussions to address the burgeoning problem of hearing loss. Professor Michael Wesley opened the event which brought together a diverse array of ear and hearing care stakeholders, including Dr Shelly Chadha from the WHO, who set the scene, emphasising the need to ‘innovate’ new technologies and ‘integrate’ services into health systems.
We heard from speakers representing countries including India, Indonesia, China, Taiwan, Macau, Pakistan, the Philippines, Fiji, Tonga and other Pacific Islands, who described the importance of collaboration in addressing ear and hearing health issues. Proactive approaches were strongly advocated for, emphasising the development of cost-effective care models, extending the role of primary healthcare workers through task-sharing/shifting approaches, and investing in training programs to build a skilled workforce at all levels of the health system. Students were inspired by speakers such as Prof Sumit Kane, who encouraged our future audiologists to engage in global audiology discussions to support and sustain ear and hearing care initiatives, to ensure their continuity and effectiveness.
A special thanks to all participants and speakers, and the organising team, Dr Chris Waterworth and the HEARglobe student advocacy group, for their invaluable contributions. As we look ahead, the collective efforts will continue to work towards making ear and hearing health accessible to all.
