More than 150 people attended a Macquarie University Hearing event on 4 March to celebrate World Hearing Day.
The theme of World Hearing Day 2024 was ‘Changing Mindsets’, with a focus on challenging stigmatising misconceptions by raising awareness and sharing information.
The day opened with an ‘ask us anything’ panel discussion with people who have lived experience of hearing loss, and was followed by an assistive devices demonstration, the opportunity to meet hearing researchers, free hearing checks and a barbecue lunch.
The panel was a highlight of the event, facilitated by Soundfair CEO Caitlin Barr. The panellists were Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Medicine and Health, Professor Patrick McNeil, Macquarie University Hearing Coordinator, Michele Nealon, actor Josh Sealy, and data insights analyst, Nomiki Lau.
Michele Nealon says being part of the panel was extremely rewarding.
“It’s critical to ensure the people with lived experience are both seen and heard and so I was pleased to be a part of that exposure,” she says.
“Acknowledging that there are positive and sometimes humorous stories to be told, the discussion by the panel on the use of assistive listening devices including haptic watches, headphones, FM systems, flashing lights and motion sensored devices, all contribute to our ability to adjust to a society not often set up with our communication demands in mind.”
Thanks to the Macquarie University Hearing World Hearing Day organising committee for their efforts: Michele Nealon, Ronny Ibrahim, Lisa Maggs, Kelly Miles, JP Astudillo, Yvonne Tran, Kiri Mealings, Diana Tran, Heivet Hernandez-Perez, and Rob McElligott.
