Research shows too many Australian adults are struggling with the challenges of hearing loss with 1 in 2 admitting to having concerns. With an estimated 7.8 million people expected to have a hearing loss in 2060 [1] , new research [2] from Hearing Australia shows that one in two Australian adults admit to having hearing problems but only seven per cent have taken action to address it.
While the majority of Australians know how to seek help by speaking to a GP or visiting a hearing professional, the research also highlighted the perceived barriers to taking action. These include over 50 per cent of people believing hearing aids are too expensive or consider hearing loss to bejust a part of getting older.
Hearing Australia’s Managing Director Kim Terrell says, “these misconceptions are outdated,
stressing that hearing loss solutions can be simple, affordable and life-changing.”
“Hearing loss can have devastating consequences and it’s not something that you just ‘have to live with’ as you get older,” said Mr Terrell.
“There are many options to help people hear well, with hearing aid technology continually advancing to enable customised solutions for different types of hearing loss and lifestyle requirements. These solutions are affordable and eligible pensioners can access Government funded hearing services as well.”
“Our research shows that only 26 per cent of people know how to access Government funded hearing services, so we encourage anyone with questions to give us a call or visit their local Hearing Australia centre.”
The research also highlighted hearing as one area of health that Australians aren’t checking as regularly, with more than 70 per cent having a blood test and dental check up in the last year and almost to 40 per cent having a skin check, compared with only 24 per cent having a hearing test with an audiologist.
Mr Terrell said, “having a quick and easy hearing check can be life changing, for not only the person with hearing loss, but for their family, friends and co-workers, reducing frustration and isolation, and increasing social interactivity.”
“Interestingly our research shows that the biggest driver for people to take action is sudden hearing loss in one or both ears,” Mr Terrell said.
“But hearing loss is often gradual and can show up in more subtle ways – such as not being able to hear in noisy environments or frequently asking people to repeat themselves.
“It is often a partner or family member that notice the hearing loss first because of the need to continually repeat themselves, so doing something about hearing loss can have a really positive impact on relationships and family, as well as personal experience.
“Getting a hearing check is a simple and quick process that can make a huge difference to your life. You can go to Hearing Australia’s website to book a free 15 minute adult hearing check, or visit one of our 189 centres nationwide to discuss how you can get the hearing help you need. Hearing Australia has been voted Readers Digest’s most trusted hearing services provider for four years running with centres across Australia.
[1] https://www.health.gov.au/topics/ear-health/about
[2] AntennaPoll national survey of n=1,012 Australians, between September 5 – 8, 2024. Respondents were sourced using an accredited online research access panel. Data was weighted for representation against the 2021 ABS Census.
