Helping to close the gap in paediatric ear health for Aboriginal children 

A new research project focused on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations, aims to improve detection and treatment of middle ear infections to reduce their severity, duration and impact on hearing. 

Up to one in four Aboriginal children will experience middle ear infections, known as ‘otitis media’ – the leading cause of hearing loss in this population. To improve diagnosis and inform precision treatment options, Dr Guy Cameron, a proud Wailwan man, postdoctoral researcher and Indigenous Imaging Fellow at the University of Newcastle and Hunter Medical Research Institute, is leading a research project in the region. Cameron’s multi-disciplinary team includes scientists, Aboriginal research officers, doctors and specialty heads of departments, under the supervision of Professor Kelvin Kong AM, a proud Worimi man, distinguished Ear Nose and Throat surgeon and cultural, medical and research mentor.  

The Office for Health and Medical Research is supporting this project through a $500,000 Early Mid-Career Grant awarded to Cameron. The project will boost the genomic surveillance of bacterial strains to learn more about characteristics of those that cause ear infection and upper respiratory illnesses in children and young people.  

The Office spoke to Cameron to learn more about how his current project will help speed up diagnosis of otitis media, increase precision and accuracy of treatments, improve patient outcomes and advance culturally safe and responsive services: 

What is otitis media and what symptoms and complications can it cause? 

“The term ‘otitis media’ refers to a group of inflammatory conditions affecting the middle ear. Common symptoms include ear pain, hearing loss, and in severe cases, fluid accumulation behind the eardrum. In children, untreated or recurrent otitis media can lead to chronic ear disease and developmental delays in speech and language. In rare cases, hearing loss can become permanent. These complications can significantly impact a child’s quality of life, education, and overall development.” 

How does this middle ear condition impact Aboriginal communities?

“Aboriginal children experience approximately five times higher prevalence of otitis media than other children in Australia and a more severe and prolonged infection, which can require specialist intervention. My project aims to investigate the underlying causes and barriers to their diagnosis and treatment so that we can develop targeted, culturally tailored and precision medicine solutions designed in partnership with our local community. For this research, we are assessing Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal patients. Throughout the project we will continue consultation and connection with our local community and with our Wukul Yabang community research panel to guide what we are doing and provide the results and outcomes to our community. Through the Wukul Yabang community panel we will also connect with, and receive advice from a diverse range of experts at Awabakal, an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation in the Hunter region.” 

Why is this research centred around the Hunter New England Local Health District? 

“The Hunter New England Local Health District has the largest proportion of Aboriginal residents in NSW (7.5% of the region’s population) and a high incidence of ear, nose and throat issues, including otitis media. This condition affects many children, young people and their families irrespective of nationality, so we really need to develop new solutions.” 

How will ‘genomic surveillance’ assist your project?

“Genomic surveillance involves tracking bacterial strains by studying their genetic material. This will help us to detect changes in pathogens which cause infectious diseases and allow us to monitor the ear, nose and throat microbiomes of children to check for the presence of bacteria linked to otitis media. This research will provide insights to improve surveillance, diagnostics, treatment, and prevention strategies.” 

Are you using genetic sequencing in your work?

“Our use of a cutting-edge approach called ‘pathogen genomics technology’ involves the study of micro-organisms in a particular environment and includes targeted or whole-genome sequencing. Use of this technology has aided identification of Group A Streptococcus bacteria in less than 30 minutes (compared to the current culture methods which take 24 hours or longer). Faster identification of bacteria enables faster, more targeted treatment, which can help to improve patient outcomes.” 

How is the Early Mid-Career Grant from the Office for Health and Medical Research, helping to support your research?

“This project would not be possible without the Early Mid-Career grant. The funding has supported the establishment of a sample collection and also, laboratory analysis within the Hunter New England district. It has allowed us to engage with the community and to build capacity among early career researchers, including the recruitment and training of Aboriginal researchers, to advance health services and contribute to culturally informed healthcare solutions. This grant from the Office for Health and Medical Research will also enable translation of our research findings into clinical practice, ensuring long-term benefits for high-risk populations.”