Overview

• Two population-based studies confirm that children from CALD backgrounds face 58% higher odds of hearing loss and a 23% greater risk of developmental vulnerability at school entry.
• Analysis shows that lower parental English proficiency and shorter residency in Australia significantly increase hearing loss risk among recently arrived families.
• Systemic obstacles such as cultural beliefs, distrust of health services and limited interpreting services hinder timely access to care for CALD families.
• Experts call for targeted hearing screening and culturally tailored early childhood programs to bridge developmental gaps before school begins.
• Researchers warn that delayed identification and intervention can lead to irreversible educational setbacks and diminished quality of life.