The ‘tough it out’ mindset could be putting men’s hearing health at risk
Research¹ commissioned by Hearing Australia suggests that while many Aussie men recognise the importance of hearing health, some may still be inclined to take a “tough it out” approach when it comes to hearing difficulties.
The research1 shows a gap between awareness and action. While around two-thirds (67 per cent) of men believe hearing should be checked at least every three years, only half (50 per cent) say they have regular hearing checks.1 The same research also found one-quarter (25 per cent) of men don’t feel hearing loss is a topic people feel comfortable to talk about, while one in five (21 per cent) say they would keep hearing loss private.
Ahead of Father’s Day, Hearing Australia is encouraging men to prioritise their hearing health by recognising changes early and booking a hearing check.
“Men can be very good at soldiering on, but stigma and discomfort around talking about hearing health may mean some are delaying getting the help they need,” says Hearing Australia Senior Audiologist Marc Vandenberg. “Getting a hearing check is an important first step in taking control of your hearing health and getting the right support if needed.”
Pushing through instead of speaking up
For some men, hearing difficulties may be seen as something to simply accept with age. More than a third of men (39 per cent) believe that hearing loss is “just something you have to live with” as you get older1 – an attitude that may encourage men to push through any changes in their hearing rather than seek support.
The research1 also suggests some men may be reluctant to get help, even if hearing difficulties started affecting everyday life. It found that only 41 per cent of men say they would get a hearing check if they struggled to hear in noisy places such as cafes or restaurants, while only 29 per cent would get a hearing check if they had difficulty hearing during work meetings.
Delayed action can affect everyday communication and relationships
The impact of hearing loss can make it more difficult to follow conversations, participate confidently in social situations and stay connected with family, friends and colleagues. Despite some discomfort around talking about hearing loss, the research¹ shows most men recognise the impact it can have on communication and relationships. Nearly three-quarters (74 per cent) agree hearing loss can negatively impact relationships, while 71 per cent say they would miss conversations with family and friends if they couldn't hear properly.1
Marc says that when hearing loss goes unaddressed, it can sometimes result in frustration, miscommunication and social disconnection. “When communication becomes increasingly difficult, people often start to withdraw from everyday moments, like family barbecues or catching up with friends. The good news is that getting support early can make a real difference in helping to stay connected to the people and moments that matter.”
Importantly, four in ten (39 per cent) say encouragement from family or friends would motivate them to get a hearing check1, highlighting the important role loved ones can play in helping men to prioritise their hearing health.
“Father’s Day is a good reminder to check in on the dads in our lives and encourage them to look after their hearing health and get a hearing check if it’s something they’ve been putting off,” says Marc.
From putting up with hearing loss to reconnecting with loved ones
Hearing Australia client, Chris Pappas, struggled for years before realising the impact hearing loss was having on his family. “Looking back, my hearing had probably been declining for about a decade, likely starting from my time in the military and listening to loud music when I was younger,” says Chris. “In quiet settings it was perfectly fine, but the moment I was in a busy conference space for work or at a noisy family gathering, I couldn't hear the conversations.
“I found myself constantly lip-reading and missing parts of what people said. My wife and son were constantly having to repeat themselves or stand right next to me just to chat. I went to Hearing Australia, and the test was so easy and straightforward.
“Finding out I had hearing loss was a turning point – and the support I received has made such a difference to my everyday life. But the best part is the difference it made for my family and friends. Taking that first step was life-changing for me,” added Chris.
1. Nationally representative online survey of n=1,022 Australian adults conducted by LiGHTSPEED on behalf of Hearing Australia, 20–24 October 2025.
