Children living in rural and remote Australia experience some of the highest rates of ear disease in the world, significantly impacting their health, education, and long-term outcomes. Early identification and management are critical. This hands-on workshop is designed for doctors working in rural settings to build practical skills and confidence in performing otoscopy and tympanometry — two essential tools in the assessment of ear health.
The workshop will emphasise the importance of routine ear examinations in children living rurally, providing participants with a clear understanding of the role of otoscopy and tympanometry in early diagnosis. Through practical demonstrations and supervised practice, participants will learn correct techniques for conducting otoscopy, performing tympanometry, and interpreting findings in both normal and pathological cases.
In addition to developing clinical skills, the workshop will address the limitations of otoscopy and tympanometry, including potential challenges in rural environments such as limited equipment availability, patient cooperation, and interpreting inconclusive results. Participants will leave with practical strategies to overcome these barriers and to integrate ear assessments effectively into routine care.
This workshop is ideal for rural doctors committed to improving ear health outcomes for children in their communities.