Children’s Health Queensland’s (CHQ) Healthy Hearing Program has supported the launch of new Community Hearing Screening Clinics across the Darling Downs and Gold Coast Hospital and Health Services to improve access to hearing screenings for children.
These new services are possible as part of the recent investment in the Putting Queensland Kids First initiative and will offer free hearing screenings in these regions, designed to identify early hearing concerns in children.
The Darling Downs Community Hearing Screening Clinics opened on February 3, and the Gold Coast followed on February 5.
Children’s Health Queensland Healthy Hearing Director, Lauren McHugh, said the Healthy Hearing team was pleased to support the establishment of new clinics, expanding the model of care into regional areas.
“This initiative is the result of a strong partnership between Darling Downs HHS, Gold Coast HHS and Children’s Health Queensland, all working toward the shared goal of improving early access to hearing screenings for children in these areas,” Ms McHugh said.
“Hearing plays an essential role in a child’s development, especially in areas like speech, language, and learning. These new clinics will continue to identify and address hearing concerns before they impact a child’s ability to thrive.”
Over the past seven years, the CHQ Healthy Hearing team has screened more than 9,000 children within its own community hearing screening clinics, helping to identify potential hearing issues early and ensuring that children receive timely intervention.
CHQ’s Community Hearing Screening Clinics are available for children aged from nine months to 16 years across several locations, including Logan Central, Mount Gravatt, Ellen Barron Family Centre Chermside, Deception Bay, North Lakes Health Precinct, North West Community Health Centre Keperra, Inala, and Yarrabilba Family and Community Place.
Parents can book an appointment if they have concerns about their child’s speech and language development, pronunciation, hearing, learning, or behaviour. For more information on hearing screenings and to book an appointment, visit Community Hearing Screening Clinics | Children's Health Queensland