Virtual event: Children’s Hearing Health

Join the Summit: Be a Champion for Children’s Hearing Health.

Did you know that certain infections and medications can put young children’s hearing at risk? Whether you’re a parent, healthcare professional, educator, or advocate, this is an issue we can all champion. Join us online on 15 November 2024, from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM (AEST) for an essential conversation about how we can prevent hearing loss in children.

The National Deafness Sector Summit is relaunching starting with an initial crucial focus: “Protecting Young Ears: Navigating Disease & Medication Risks.” This virtual event will highlight key issues affecting children’s hearing health, Congenital Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and aminoglycoside antibiotics—two often-overlooked risks that can have lasting effects if not properly managed. This summit marks the first in an ongoing series of events aimed at addressing important hearing health topics and issues that affect the deaf and hearing loss communities.

Why CMV and Antibiotics Matter for Hearing Health

CMV is a leading cause of congenital hearing loss, yet it’s often overlooked during pregnancy. Likewise, while antibiotics save lives, the use of certain types—especially aminoglycosides—can

damage hearing yet there are currently no broad risk mitigations for such a serious, life changing adverse effect.

What to Expect

At this summit, you’ll hear from paediatricians, top researchers from organisations like Cerebral Palsy Alliance and Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, and a parent sharing their personal journey with CMV. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, share your experiences, and gain knowledge to help protect children’s hearing.

Our speakers include:

  • Duaa Gaafar, Paediatrician, Royal Children’s Hospital & Honorary Research Fellow, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute
  • Kath Swinburn, Research Officer & Governance Manager & Hayley Smithers-Sheedy, Senior Research Fellow, Cerebral Palsy Alliance
  • Pam Rogers, Parent & CMV Consumer Advocate

Who Should Attend?

This event is perfect for: parents and caregivers; healthcare providers; educators; advocacy groups; researchers; and anyone interested in childhood health and preventative hearing health.

Don’t Miss Out!

Join us for this this unique opportunity to learn from experts and make a difference in the lives of children. Captioning and AUSLAN interpreters will be provided to ensure accessibility.

Register here.

Help spread the word! Your support in promoting this event will help ensure more families and professionals are informed and empowered to protect young ears.