Question

A 3-year-old Aboriginal boy from a remote community presents to a fly-in GP clinic with long-standing bilateral middle ear effusions and documented conductive hearing loss. According to national Indigenous health guidance, which is the most important next step?

Accepted Answer

Arrange prompt referral for audiology and ENT assessment for possible tympanostomy tubes

Answer

Reassure and review in 12 months

Answer

Prescribe repeated short courses of oral amoxicillin for each upper respiratory infection

Answer

Start intranasal decongestant spray for 3 months

Answer

Advise the family that hearing loss is a normal part of growing up in their community

Practice question

A 3-year-old Aboriginal boy from a remote community presents to a fly-in GP clinic with long-standing bilateral middle ear effusions and documented conductive hearing loss. According to national Indigenous health guidance, which is the most important next step?