Conversations Holiday listening: the secret world of the human ear
Jan 5, 2026
Professor Kelvin Kong, a proud Worimi man and ENT surgeon, shares his passion for the ear, calling it the most beautiful organ. He discusses the intricate process of how sound transforms into hearing and highlights the significance of early intervention for untreated ear diseases in Indigenous children. Kelvin reflects on his groundbreaking fetal surgeries, the emotional stakes involved, and the importance of cultural safety in healthcare. He also touches on his journey as Australia's first Aboriginal surgeon and the profound impact of treating Otitis Media on children's lives.
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How The Ear Transforms Sound
- The ear is a tiny, exquisitely engineered organ that transforms sound into neural signals using a one-centimetre eardrum, three ossicles and ~24,000 cochlear hair cells.
- Kelvin Kong emphasises hearing as central to joy, language and personal interpretation of the world.
Surgically Buying Time At Birth
- Kelvin describes the EXIT procedure that keeps the placenta intact while partially delivering a baby so surgeons can secure an airway before full delivery.
- The technique buys roughly 60 minutes to anaesthetise and intubate newborns with obstructing neck or mouth lesions.
Run Simulations Before High‑Risk Births
- Plan multidisciplinary simulations (SimLabs) and clear role assignments before an EXIT delivery to reduce chaos and errors.
- Use detailed contingency plans (Plan A, B, C, D) so each team member knows their exact task.