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September 19, 2023
Reti keen to tackle sticky problem
Peter Verschaffelt
Posted On September 19, 2023
Download AudioNational Party health spokesperson Shane Reti has promised a major initiative to address glue ear.
The former Northland GP says he’s been tracking the incidence of the condition, which is where the middle part of the ear canal fills up with fluid and can lead to hearing loss.
It can be fixed with a two minute operation to insert a grommet.
Dr Reti says it’s a short procedure with a high impact.
“And it does have a higher incidence, as it’s reported to me, in Māori, so it’s one of those things we could do which could change the trajectory of Māori to make sure our children have good hearing,” he says.
Dr Reti says the effect of children not being able to hear and learn at school can last a lifetime, with research showing the majority of people in prison have had glue ear.
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