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During the clinic, U.S. Army medical personnel conducted hearing assessments to evaluate patients’ ability to hear sounds at different frequencies and volumes. The evaluations helped identify potential hearing concerns and provided patients with information they could use when seeking follow-up care. The Solomon Islands’ Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Clinic was also given a donation of 400 pairs of hearing protection by the OET.
“Hearing health can have a significant impact on a person’s ability to communicate, learn, work and participate in their community,” said Capt. Alexandra Morgan, Chief of Hearing Conservation, Tripler Army Medical Center. “Our goal was to provide patients with a better understanding of their hearing health while working alongside our Solomon Islands partners.”
The clinic was organized as part of the OET’s ongoing relationship with U.S. Embassy Honiara, the Solomon Islands Ministry of Health, and the Solomon Islands National Referral Hospital. For Tripler medical personnel, the engagement also provided an opportunity to work alongside health professionals and community members in Honiara.
“Medical engagements give us an opportunity to learn from our partners while sharing our own expertise,” said 1st Lt. Elizabeth Pearson, Team Leader, OET. “The relationships we build through engagements like this are just as important as the medical services we provide.”
Hearing evaluations can help identify hearing loss or other conditions that may affect a person’s ability to communicate and participate in daily activities. Early identification can also help patients understand when additional evaluation or treatment may be appropriate. The clinic reflects the broader U.S.-Solomon Islands relationship and the role of civilian to military engagements in strengthening partnerships across the Pacific.
The USARPAC OET is a U.S. Army Civil Affairs company from the 351st Civil Affairs Command, operationally controlled by U.S. Army Pacific. The OET deploys to Pacific Island Countries to conduct civil affairs and civil-military operations to maintain USARPAC's persistent presence in the Pacific and support regional security and stability.