Ear Medication Delivery Device for Children

About the Project and the Involvement Opportunity
Ear infections are common, especially in young children. They happen when germs cause inflammation in the ear and fluid builds up behind the eardrum. Children are more likely to get ear infections because their ears are smaller and do not drain fluid as well, particularly when they have a cold. Repeated ear infections can be painful, hard to treat, and may lead to hearing problems if they keep coming back.

This research aims to develop a new device that can deliver medicine directly into the ear. By targeting the infection more precisely, the treatment could work better, reduce the need for repeated antibiotics, lower the risk of antibiotic resistance, and help prevent repeat infections and hearing loss. The device is being designed mainly for children who experience frequent ear infections, but it may also benefit adults.

Consumer involvement is essential to this research. Parents, carers, and patients can share their experiences with current treatments, including what works, what doesn’t, and what is uncomfortable or difficult to use. Their feedback will help shape how the device looks, feels, and fits, ensuring it is safe, comfortable, easy to use, and more likely to be used correctly for the full course of treatment.

About the Position
The consumer’s role is to provide insight into their child’s lived experience with current treatment methods, particularly highlighting areas where comfort, usability, and overall wellbeing could be improved. By sharing firsthand feedback, consumers help identify unmet needs and practical challenges that may not be apparent in clinical or technical assessments alone. This input is critical to the research process, as it guides scientists in establishing user‑centred design principles that can be incorporated into the development of a safer, more comfortable, and more effective device.

What Am I Expected to Do?

• Attend regular meetings with the research team (e.g., monthly or quarterly)
• Review documents (e.g., grant applications, consent forms, surveys)
• Share your lived experience and insights
• Help design participant recruitment strategies
• Advise on the language used in interviews and surveys (especially for kids in Aboriginal communities), ensuring that it is clear, culturally sensitive, and appropriate

What Skills or Experience Do I Need?
Consumer participants should bring relevant lived experience and the capacity to contribute meaningfully to a collaborative research process. Ideally, participants will:

• Have lived experience as a patient or as a parent/carer of children aged 1–3 years, including consumers from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. This experience enables participants to provide valuable, context specific insights into current treatment challenges and care needs.
• Be comfortable engaging in discussion within a small group setting, including sharing personal perspectives, responding to others’ views, and contributing constructively to guided conversations.
• Possess familiarity with online communication platforms such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams, to enable effective participation in virtual meetings and workshops.

How Long Am I Expected to Be Involved?
Meetings will be set for about an hour, quarterly for 1 year. Occasional emails may be sent between meetings. Participation is flexible and can be adjusted to suit your availability.

Where Will Meetings Be Held?

• Online via Zoom
• In person at Ear Science Institute Australia (8 Verdun St, Nedlands)
• A mix of in-person and online, depending on consumer preference

What Support Is Offered?

• An honorarium of $50.00 per hour is available for consumer involvement activities in line with CCIProgram guidelines
• Training and support provided by the CCIProgram or relevant support body.