The extent of hearing impairment amongst Australian Indigenous prisoners in Victoria, and implications for the correctional system

Abstract

The hearing status of 109 Indigenous prisoners was investigated at five prison locations in Victoria, using audiological methods and face-to-face interview. The study found predominantly mild, sensorineural hearing loss. The rate of conductive hearing impairment was consistent with an age-matched general adult population (UK). All eardrums were intact, and 89% of middle-ears were normally air filled. Results showed 12% of prisoners had a hearing loss (average. 0.5, 1, 2, & 4 kHz >or=25 dB) in at least one ear, compared with 5% in an age-matched Australian adult population. More than a third (36%) had high-frequency, sensorineural hearing impairment (4 or 6 kHz >or=25 dB), in one or both ears..