HEARING LOSS

Think about your favourite sounds? Maybe it’s the sound of waves, of birds singing, cats purring, children laughing or the pitter patter of rain. Or maybe it’s listening to your favourite song. Hearing can provide great pleasure. So imagine what life would be like if you could no longer hear the sounds you love.

Beyond our favourite sounds, hearing also supports greater connection to the world around us. It gives us the chance to learn better, communicate effectively with loved ones, and engage fully in life's experiences.

But in a world where sounds and communication are so integral to our daily lives, rates of hearing loss are rapidly increasing. Greater awareness and early intervention is key.

World Hearing Day

World Hearing Day on 3 March is a timely reminder to stop and think about your hearing health. And with the number of Australians experiencing hearing loss forecast to double to 7.8 million by 20601, it’s a message worth listening to.

For those interested in getting their hearing checked out, access to a hearing check is the next step. This year's World Hearing Day theme, "Changing mindsets: Let’s make ear and hearing care a reality for all!", highlights the importance of providing access to hearing services for anyone, wherever they may be.

Early detection

Hearing loss can be quite gradual and subtle in nature. Easy access to hearing checks means issues can be picked up early. And early detection allows individuals to take proactive steps towards managing their hearing loss and staying connected to the world around them.

“Recognising the early signs of hearing loss and getting a hearing check are critical steps in safeguarding your hearing health”, says Karen Hirschausen, Principal Audiologist Commercial Clinical Services at Hearing Australia.

Signs of hearing loss

Common signs of hearing loss include asking others to repeat themselves frequently, difficulty in hearing conversations amidst background noise, and needing to increase the volume on things like the TV, radio or phone. Tinnitus is also a possible sign of hearing loss but it’s not always likely to be persistent.

Being vigilant and proactive about your hearing health can reduce the impact of hearing loss and help provide a better quality of life.

Rob’s story

Rob Kneale's journey to better hearing highlights the subtle nature of hearing loss and the benefits of early intervention.

At 71, Rob Kneale attributed changes in his hearing to the natural course of aging. He found bustling environments like restaurants particularly challenging. But Rob didn’t link his difficulty in hearing the TV and navigating noisy settings with potential hearing loss.

One day while reading his library’s newsletter, he noticed Hearing Australia was providing free 15-minute hearing checks at the library – so he did one. The check revealed hearing loss in both ears. This led to a referral with an audiologist at the local hearing centre along with a comprehensive assessment which outlined the options available.

"I realised it was going to help me, so I was looking forward to getting hearing aids. Nevertheless, I was unsure how I would go wearing hearing aids. But they’re comfortable, and I’m not conscious of wearing them. I have a favourite setting for the TV and I also find the restaurant setting is very good. I can fine tune the hearing aids depending on the situation.

“Hearing loss is a gradual thing that you’re not consciously aware of, but [after the check] I am now fully aware of the level of my hearing loss," shared Rob.

As part of World Hearing Day, Hearing Australia is offering free* 15-minute hearing checks at 1,000 locations across Australia. Search for "Hearing the Nation" or visit hearing.com.au to register for your nearest event.

1. https://www.health.gov.au/topics/ear-health/about (Updated 15 Dec 23)

*Only 15-minute hearing checks are free. Conditions apply under the Australian Government Hearing Services Program.

Mar 24