Getting children’s ears checked regularly from an early age helps them enjoy the sounds of the world. When we listen, we connect – to each other, to learning, to life.
This March 2026, Hearing Australia launches Hearing Healthy Starts Early to encourage regular ear and hearing checks for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in the early years. This initiative supports families, early education services and health services to act early.
We welcome partners and stakeholders to work with us to support and promote ear and hearing health for First Nations children by downloading and sharing campaign resources on your website, social media pages and member networks.
Our key messages
- Getting children’s ears checked regularly from an early age helps them enjoy the sounds of the world.
- We’re walking alongside families and communities to keep little ears strong.
- From communities to kindies, every sound tells a story.
- When we listen, we connect – to each other, to learning, to life.
- Strong hearing supports strong futures.
- Book your child an ear and hearing check at your local AMS or with Hearing Australia – call 1300 253 655 or visit hearing.com.au/bookings
What primary care and AMS teams can do
- Use PLUM & HATS during routine visits or when families have concerns.
- Encourage regular ear checks for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander children under 6 years old
- Provide referral pathways to audiology/ENT when needed
- Join our Tympanometry and Otoscopy Webinar on 31 March 12-1pm AEST to build early-detection skills.
What early education services can do
- Share Spirit of Sound story book with children and families
- Use the Spirit of Sound Educators Guide with children in your service
- Share flyers in your service newsletter and encourage families to book regular ear and hearing checks
- Use PLUM & HATS with families to talk about listening and talking
- Access free short modules for early educators via Hearing Australia’s Learning Portal.
