Community hearing screening clinic eases access for Townsville families

A community hearing screening clinic at the Kirwan Community Health Campus is providing free, fast and easy hearing checks for children across north Queensland to ensure hearing doesn’t impact learning and social success.

Townsville University Hospital advanced audiologist Lisa Forrester said the goal was simple; to give families a convenient, child-friendly option for hearing checks.

“The clinic was set up to make hearing screening easier for our community,” Ms Forrester said.

“Any child we are concerned about can be quickly referred for a full hearing assessment at the hospital.”

Women’s and children’s services medical director and paediatrician Dr Jason Yates said that early screening for hearing loss made a significant difference to longer term speech and cognitive development.

“Screening clinics also improve school readiness for children and provide extra comfort for parents,” Dr Yates said.

“By identifying any developmental, hearing or vision issues early, families have the chance to address concerns well before a child starts school.

“That early intervention can make a significant difference in a child’s confidence and ability to engage in the classroom from day one.

“The more effort we put into early screening programs, the more impact we will see on positive learning outcomes for children in the region.”

Allied health assistant Tegan Kiehne joined the team when the clinic launched in late 2025, and said families appreciated the more relaxed environment and the demand was evident.

“It’s a nice setting and parents don’t have to come into the hospital, which can be stressful for children,” Ms Kiehne said.

“It’s more accessible, less clinical, and less scary for babies and kids.”

The community clinic involves a screening completed by an allied health assistant with oversight from an audiologist.

“Hearing screening helps determine whether a child has sufficient hearing for speech and language development, “Ms Kiehne said.

“A lot of parents come in saying they aren’t sure if their child just isn’t listening to them, or if there is a bigger issue.

“Any time there are changes in speech, less responsiveness or recurrent ear infections, it’s a good idea to get their hearing checked.”

Looking ahead, the team said they hope to expand the clinics and provide school-based screening.

“Hearing matters, especially in the crucial early years of learning, speech, and development,” Ms Forrester said.

“For Townsville families, help is now closer, quicker, and more comfortable.”

The community hearing screening clinic is run at the Kirwan Health Campus and offers free hearing screening for children and young people aged from nine months to 16 years.

Parents can make an appointment over the phone (07) 4433