Earbus helps Pilbara children hear, learn and thrive

Hundreds of Aboriginal and at-risk children across the Pilbara are experiencing improved hearing and stronger classroom engagement through an innovative Earbus Foundation of Western Australia program delivering essential ear health support in regional communities. 

Supported through Fortescue’s Community Grants Program, the Better Hearing, Better Listening program assessed almost 1,000 children and rolled out a library of 100 bone conduction headset and microphone kits designed for children experiencing conductive hearing loss – a condition that can significantly impact learning, communication and development.

The technology works by transmitting a teacher’s voice directly to the child’s inner ear, helping reduce the effects of background noise and improving speech clarity in busy classroom environments.

Clinicians involved in the program say the response from children has been immediate and encouraging, with many students demonstrating greater confidence, stronger engagement in lessons and improved communication.

Earbus Foundation of Western Australia Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, Dr Lara Shur said the initiative was helping address one of the most common health challenges facing children in remote communities.

“Hearing health plays a critical role in a child’s learning, wellbeing and connection to community.

“These devices are helping children better participate in the classroom and everyday life, while also supporting schools and families with practical tools that make a real difference.”

Conductive hearing loss is particularly prevalent among Aboriginal children living in remote and regional Australia, often caused by chronic ear infections and limited access to specialist services.

By combining outreach health services with practical classroom support, the Earbus program is aiming to improve both health and educational outcomes for children across the Pilbara.

The initiative is one of 36 projects funded through Fortescue’s FY26 Community Grants Program, which distributed more than $270,000 across grassroots organisations delivering practical outcomes across health and wellbeing, education, emergency services, environmental initiatives, sporting organistions and First Nations programs across the Pilbara.

Fortescue’s Director Approvals, Communities and Services, Rosli Wheelock said initiatives like Earbus demonstrated the lasting impact community-led programs can have across regional communities.

“When children can hear clearly, they are better placed to learn, participate and build confidence at school, and that’s exactly the kind of impact programs like Earbus are creating across the Pilbara.

“Through our Community Grants Program, we’re backing local organisations that understand their communities and are delivering practical support where it’s needed most.”

The Better Hearing, Better Listening program continues to expand across Western Australia, helping children overcome barriers to learning and creating stronger opportunities for future success.