Stay connected to the people and sounds you love with healthy hearing

Hearing Australia is calling on all Australians to have their hearing checked to stay connected to the people, sounds and activities they love.

“Good hearing plays a significant role in helping people stay active, happy and involved in the world around them,” says Mr Kim Terrell, Managing Director of Hearing Australia. “If you’re straining to hear in many situations, your family complains you have the TV up too loud or you’ve stopped going to social events, come and talk to us. Our dedicated team of professionals will work with you to find the best solution to help you stay connected and enjoy all your favourite sounds.”

Researchers across the world are becoming increasingly aware of how critical being able to hear and communicate is to both the physical and mental wellbeing of a person¹. Hearing connects us to meaningful conversations and activities.

According to Dr Melanie Ferguson from the National Acoustic Laboratories, the research division of Hearing Australia, “there is a clear association between hearing loss and psychosocial aspects, such as social isolation and loneliness.”

This, combined with the fact that people experiencing hearing loss wait on average seven years from diagnosis to seeking help²; can often lead to people withdrawing from social interactions and becoming progressively more isolated.

“It’s important for a person’s state of mental health and wellbeing that they remain connected to family, friends and the world around them; by enjoying the sounds and activities they love,” continues Dr Ferguson.

“There is also evidence that emotional wellbeing and quality of life relates to resilience in the face of problems. Hearing loss may reduce resilience and the ability to cope with other problems.”

In addition, research that looks at how the brain functions shows that when hearing difficulties are first noticed, other parts of the brain come into play to help people understand what is being said. However, as hearing loss progresses, it becomes much harder for the brain to help with listening. This can result in the person with hearing loss often ‘tuning out’ of conversations.

When looking at these research findings, it makes sense that the earlier people can take control of their hearing health, the better the long-term outcome can be. This has been shown in research studies³, where untreated hearing loss can significantly impact everyday life, with the consequences for the social, functional and psychological wellbeing of the person⁴.

If you or your loved ones would like to rediscover the sounds you love, contact Hearing Australia on 131 797, visit hearing.com.au, or pop into one of over 600 Hearing Australia locations around the country for a free* hearing check.

ENDS

Media contact

Linda Ballam-Davies

Hearing Australia

Ph: 0438 992 282

Email: linda.ballam-davies@hearing.com.au

About Hearing Australia

For over 70 years, Hearing Australia has been helping Australians rediscover the joy of sound. Its mission is to provide world leading research and hearing services for the wellbeing of all Australians. Hearing Australia operates in over 600 locations across Australia and is the nation’s largest provider of government-funded hearing services for children, young adults up to 26, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, pensioners and veterans.

References

1. Social Engagement and Hearing Loss, by Lena Kauffman. Published and written by The Hearing Review.
2. Access Economics (2017), The Social and Economic Cost of Hearing Loss in Australia, June 2017, commissioned by the Hearing Care Industry Association (HCIA).
3. Davis A, Smith P, Ferguson M, Stephens D, Gianopoulos I. 2007. Acceptability, benefit and costs

of early screening for hearing disability: a study of potential screening tests and models. Health

Technology Assessment

4. The impact of hearing loss on the quality of life of elderly adults, Clinical Interventions in Aging (2012). Ciorba A, Bianchini C, Pelucchi S, Pastore A. (Hearing Australia. Hearing Loss: Be a part of the solution by Professor Robert Cowan HEARing Cooperative Research Centre)

*Only 15 minute hearing checks are free. Other services may attract charges/fees or may be subsidised for those eligible under the Australian Government Hearing Services Program. A hearing check is a screening that helps identify people that may have hearing loss.