Reconnecting twin sisters with the classroom

For months, ongoing middle ear issues including fluid buildup and painful ear perforations had left both girls living with mild hearing loss. In the classroom, it was becoming increasingly hard for them to hear what their teachers were saying or to stay fully engaged with their lessons.

In remote communities getting fast access to specialised care can typically be a hurdle. Irregular attendance had made tracking the girls’ ear health difficult in the past, but when the Earbus rolled up in their community, everything changed.

During clinical assessments, the sisters opened up to the team about how much they were struggling to hear at school. Because an Ear Foundation nurse was on site, Laurianna and Carrianne received immediate, on-the-spot treatment — removing any delays or the need to travel for care.

When the team returned for a follow-up visit, the change was clear.

Both girls had finished their treatment, reported feeling much better, and clinical checks confirmed their ears were healing well and their hearing was on the way back.

While their treatment is ongoing, Laurianna and Carrianne are back to hearing clearly in class and engaging with their friends and teachers. By keeping a regular, familiar presence in remote community schools, Ear Foundation is ensuring children like Laurianna and Carrianne get the early support they need to hear and thrive at school.