The hearing status of 109 Indigenous prisoners was investigated at five prison locations in Victoria, using audiological methods and face-to-face interview. The study found predominantly mild, sensorineural hearing loss. The rate of conductive hearing impairment was consistent with an age-matched general adult population (UK). All eardrums were intact, and 89% of middle-ears were normally air filled. Results showed 12% of prisoners had a hearing loss (average. 0.5, 1, 2, & 4 kHz >or=25 dB) in at least one ear, compared with 5% in an age-matched Australian adult population. More than a third (36%) had high-frequency, sensorineural hearing impairment (4 or 6 kHz >or=25 dB), in one or both ears. Over half of the inmates (58%) reported hearing problems sometimes, and 4% reported a lot of hearing trouble. The majority of prisoners (92%) reported exposures to loud noise, and tinnitus was reported by 72% of prisoners. For hearing-impaired individuals within the correctional system, the reduced ability to communicate with ease may impact detrimentally on daily interactions, and may impede progress through rehabilitation programs.