Environmental scan of hearing health services and databases in Australia: barriers and enablers for a national learning health system

Early detection and intervention for hearing loss can transform a child’s life, but Australia lacks a consistent nationwide system to track and improve outcomes. The ANCHOR survey mapped data collected by hearing health services, showing that differences in data collection, challenges linking information, and gaps in oversight are key barriers, while respondent support for a coordinated system is an enabler. Understanding these factors provides an evidence base to inform policy and service planning, bringing us closer to a national Learning Health System to help every deaf and hard-of-hearing child reach their potential.