This year, Tonga’s Ministry of Health, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Hampton and the Rotary Club of Nuku’alofa, are conducting a screening project to assess the ear and hearing health of primary school students aged 5 and 6 in Tongatapu. 

The project will develop the capacity of Tonga’s healthcare system to be able to conduct regular hearing screening of young children throughout the country. It aims to detect hearing loss and middle ear disease in these children so that intervention may take place where necessary. Teachers, parents and students will also be presented with educational material to raise awareness about the importance of ear and hearing health.  

Two weeks ago, a team comprised of Ear, Nose and Throat surgeon Dr Sepi Lopati, as well as audiologists Phillip Luey, Tim Klar and HEARglobe founder Chris Waterworth, provided training to nurses from the Non-Communicable Disease and Reproductive Health divisions of the Ministry of Health. They were supported by Project Manager Peter Read of the Rotary Club of Hampton.  

Following the training, nurses were able to successfully screen over 80 children at two primary schools and planned to conduct hearing screenings at another two schools last week. Throughout the rest of the year, it is anticipated that the nursing team will screen between 2000-3000 children in Tongatapu.