Gradual hearing loss?
You could lose much more.
Book your free 15-minute adult hearing check
Hearing loss does more than just make conversations harder.
Did you know it can quietly impact your future?
Hearing loss happens so gradually you may not even notice- but those around you probably do. Social moments can become less enjoyable and connections starts to fade. Currently one in seven Australians has some form of hearing loss,and this is projected to increase to one in five by 2060.1
If you haven't had your hearing checked, now's the time.
Because as hearing declines, the risks to your health grow.
Linked to heightened risk of developing dementia2
Hearing loss is linked to a 32% higher risk of developing dementia.2
Ignoring hearing loss isolates your mind, chipping away at your mental sharpness.3
Some dementia cases can’t be avoided, but up to 45% of cases could be delayed or prevented.4
Increases your risk of loneliness
Hearing loss is linked to a 35% higher risk of developing depression.5
Even a mild level of hearing loss makes you nearly 50% more likely to feel mentally overwhelmed or stressed.6
Ignoring hearing loss significantly increases the odds of being lonely for people aged over 40.7
Affects those you love
Your hearing loss can frustrate your partner and strain your relationship.8
Ignoring your hearing loss can affect your partner's emotional well-being.8
More than doubles your risk of a serious fall9
Hearing loss more than doubles your risk of a serious fall.9
Hearing plays a key role in helping us stay aware of our surroundings and maintain balance.
Why not acting on hearing loss is risky
It's easy to overlook getting your hearing checked. It's often thought of as natural and unavoidable- just the result of getting older. But research has shown the surprising risks involved for those who ignore their hearing loss.
Know the study behind the fact
Curious about the research that supports the facts we've shared?
Explore the studies and reports that underpin our insights. Whether you're looking for deeper understanding or simply want to verify the evidence, this section offers direct access to the science behind the fact.
1. Deloitte Access Economics. (2017). The social and economic cost of hearing loss in Australia [Report prepared for the Hearing Care Industry Association]. Research Reports - HCIA accessed 09/09/26
2. Readman, M. R. et al. (2025) 'Hearing loss as a risk factor for dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis from a global perspective', Aging & Mental Health, 29(10), pp. 1831-1844. doi.org/10.1080/13607863.2025.2515180 (accessed on 21/10/25)
3. Ruan-Ching Yu, Menelaos Pavlou, Anne G M Schilder, Doris-Eva Bamiou, Glyn Lewis, Frank Robert Lin, Gill Livingston, Danielle Proctor, Rumana Omar, Sergi G Costafreda, 'Early detection and management of hearing loss to reduce dementia risk in older adults with mild cognitive impairment: findings from the treating auditory impairment and cognition trial (TACT)', Age and Ageing, Volume 54, Issue 1, January 2025, afaf004, doi.org/10.1093/ageing/afaf004 (accessed on 21/10/25)
4. World Health Organization (2026) Risk reduction of cognitive decline and dementia: WHO guidelines: executive summary. 2nd edn. Geneva: World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/B09867 accessed: 09/0926.
5. Wei J, Li Y and Gui X (2024) 'Association of hearing loss and risk of depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis.' Front. Neurol. 15:1446262. doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2024.1446262 (accessed on 22/10/25)
6. Bigelow RT, Reed NS, Brewster KK, et al. 'Association of Hearing Loss With Psychological Distress and Utilization of Mental Health Services Among Adults in the United States.' JAMA Netw Open. 2020;3(7):e2010986. doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.10986 (accessed on 21/10/25)
7. Jayakody DMP, Wishart J, Stegeman I, Eikelboom R, Moyle TC, Yiannos JM, Goodman-Simpson J and Almeida OP (2022) 'Is There an Association Between Untreated Hearing Loss and Psychosocial Outcomes?' Front. Aging Neurosci. 14:868673. doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2022.868673 (accessed on 22/10/25)
8. Barker, A. B., Leighton, P. and Ferguson, M. A. (2017) 'Coping together with hearing loss: a qualitative meta-synthesis of the psychosocial experiences of people with hearing loss and their communication partners', International Journal of Audiology, 56(5), pp. 297-305. doi.org/10.1080/14992027.2017.1286695 (accessed on 21/10/25 at nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/839547/coping-together-with-hearing loss-a-qualitative-meta-synthesis-of-the-psychosocial-experiences-of-people-with-hearing-loss-and-their-communication-partner)
9. Goman, Adele M et al. 'Effects of hearing intervention on falls in older adults: findings from a secondary analysis of the ACHIEVE randomised controlled trial' The Lancet Public Health, Volume 10, Issue 6, e492 - e502 (accessed on 22/10/25 at thelancet.com/journals/lanpub/article/ PIIS2468-2667(25)00088-X/fulltext)
Ignoring your hearing loss is risky
But getting your hearing checked is simple and free.
We've been helping Australians for over 75 years. We understand that your hearing needs are personal, so we'll always take the time to listen, guide and care. Backed by research, compassion and a commitment to your hearing health's wellbeing, we're Australia's most trusted hearing services provider, voted 5 years in a row.
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