Is the prevalence of Otitis Media with Hearing Loss reducing within Cape York Peninsula for First Nation School aged children, a retrospective study.

Indigenous children in Australia encounter significantly higher rates of otitis media with associated hearing loss compared to their non-Indigenous counterparts. This study examines whether efforts to “close the gap” have resulted in a reduction in prevalence over time. A retrospective analysis was conducted from 2018 to 2024, involving 3,468 children aged 4 to 11 years residing in Cape York Peninsula, Queensland. The findings indicate a gradual decline in otitis media rates among Indigenous children, albeit the disparity remains substantial. Children residing in remote regions continue to be disproportionately affected, underscoring the necessity of ongoing targeted interventions and enhanced access to ear health services.