Ear health for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in Australia: aiming for health equity

INTRODUCTION: Otitis media is a prevailing issue in the paediatric population, affecting up to 90% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and contributing to childhood morbidity. AIM: This review investigates Australia's current health equity landscape by focusing on the ear health status of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, with a particular focus on otitis media and its associated risk factors. METHODS: Employing a narrative review methodology, this review draws upon academic and grey literature to examine the nature of ear health in Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children over a period of 20 years (2004-2024). RESULTS: A total of 31 peer-reviewed academic journal articles and 30 grey literature documents were identified. These detail the continuing inequity in ear health outcomes, including significantly elevated otitis media rates among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. DISCUSSION: This review highlights the persistent influence of remote residence and crowded living conditions on ear health. In addition, minimal research focusing on the evaluation of health equity reforms and their impact on the current health status of specific communities was found. This review reinforces the importance of considering community-specific perspectives in formulating holistic approaches to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.