| Department Of Human Services | www.australia.gov.au | |
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| Department Of Human Services | www.australia.gov.au | |
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Hearing loss is more common than you might think. Currently, one in six Australians has a hearing loss, and this number is increasing. By 2050, it's projected to be one in every four Australians(1). What's more, over half the population aged between 60 and 70, has a hearing loss(2). This increases to more than 70 per cent of those older than 70(1) and 80 per cent of those older than 80(3).
Just as staggering are the effects of hearing loss. If left untreated hearing loss can lead to serious social, psychological and even physical problems. A hearing problem can affect your ability to enjoy life to the full. People with a hearing loss can feel isolated and frustrated. According to a survey* conducted nationally in August 2007, six in ten people with hearing loss also displayed some of the symptoms associated with depression.
The good news is there is something you can do about it.
I encourage my patients to have regular health checks and examinations for other diseases and conditions. I also encourage regular hearing checks. In fact, people older than 65 should get their hearing checked every two years.
Hearing loss is subtle. You might be losing it and not be aware. You might have trouble listening to conversation around the table. With the start of a new year, now is the time to do something about it if you think you have a hearing loss. You wouldn't want to miss out on chatting to loved ones at this time.
An expertly fitted digital hearing aid can significantly reduce the physical and emotional consequences of hearing loss. People who wear hearing aids are less affected by depression, have improved health, and experience a sense of independence and control over their lives(4).
Eligible adults can apply to the Office of Hearing Services (OHS) for a Voucher which entitles them to fully subsidised services and hearing aids.
With 60 years' experience, Australian Hearing is Australia's leading provider of high quality hearing care. Australian Hearing is dedicated to helping people manage their hearing impairment to deliver a better quality of life. Australian Hearing has 110 centres and visits almost 300 other locations around Australia.
Call 131 797 to book an appointment today.
1 Access Economics: Listen Hear! The economic impact and cost of hearing loss in Australia, February 2006
2 Wilson D, Walsh PG, Sanchez L and Read P: Hearing Impairment in an Australian Population, Centre for Population Studies in Epidemiology, South Australian Department of Human Services, 1998. Statistics based on a 4 frequency average hearing loss greater than 25dB HL in the worse ear
3 Mitchell P et al: The Prevalence, Risk Factors and Impacts of Hearing Impairment in an Older Australian Community: the Blue Mountains Hearing Study, 2002
4 National Council of Aging: The Impact of Untreated Hearing Loss in Older Americans, December 1998 *This Newspoll survey was conducted in July - August 2007 by telephone among 2401 adults aged 18+ nationally, including n=305 who live with someone with hearing loss.