The name Mipla Binna is a combination of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander words. Mipla –Torres Strait creole meaning us, we or ours, and Binna – Aboriginal word (from the North Queensland area) meaning ear. Mipla Binna translates as Our Ears.

Children need strong hearing so they can learn to speak and understand their language, learn to listen, and learn their stories.

Watch our video below about the information and resources Mipla Binna offers.

Having a baby is the beginning of a new and wonderful relationship.

Life with your baby with hearing loss will start in the same way as it does with any baby, but there will also be appointments with doctors, specialists, health professionals, and other services. You will also have questions to answer and think about as well as lots of information to take in.

Healthy Hearing Family Support Service has developed this resource, Mipla Binna to provide the support you need at this time. When your child is diagnosed with hearing loss, it may come as a complete surprise. It can be very stressful time, and may present both challenges and opportunities.

The Mipla Binna website has a series of easy to read guide on how to plan the next steps for your baby. These guides provide information about options that may be appropriate for your baby depending on the type of hearing loss. This may include medical options and access to early intervention services, including sign language, hearing aids and cochlear implants.

You can also view videos from our health professionals and families sharing their stories. If you need help with the webpage or would rather talk to someone on the phone, please call Healthy Hearing Family Support Service on our toll free number 1800 352 075 or email us at QHLFSS@health.qld.gov.au.

More support

We have Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Liaison Officerswho can provide cultural support and advice to First Nations children and their families while you're in hospital.

The Healthy Hearing Family Support Service helps families with babies or children who have a permanent hearing loss.

Help with hearing

Hearing aids or hearing implants may be recommended so your child can hear as many speech sounds as possible to help develop their listening and language skills.

These include hearing aids, bone conductor hearing aids and hearing implants which can help children to hear the speech and sounds around them.

Last updated: March 2024