Hearing vital for older Australian to feel connected

Untitled design - 2024-03-01T100322.446
500 million people worldwide suffer from hearing loss but over 80% of ear and hearing care needs remain unmet worldwide. [Source: Shutterstock]

Key Points:

  • 6 in 10 (67%) respondents aged 65 or over say they have not had a hearing test or assessment within the past 12 months – despite almost half (48%) believing they may be experiencing hearing loss
  • 1 in 5 (27%) older Australian who believe they are experiencing hearing loss say they think it negatively impacts their quality of life
  • Over a third (37%) of respondents name hearing their loved ones speak as their favourite sound

Acknowledging World Hearing Day on March 3, a recent survey has revealed that 74% of survey Aussie respondents over the age of 65 years believe their hearing is key to fostering community engagement and interaction.

Despite this knowledge, 89% of survey respondents aged 65 or over* admit to prioritising their eyesight over their hearing.

Audika’s latest survey aimed to delve into the perceptions and experiences of Australians regarding the importance of hearing in their daily lives, particularly concerning their ability to connect with their communities. The findings revealed the significant impact that auditory health has on social participation among adults aged 65 and over.

Lauren McNee, an Audiologist and Clinical Trainer at Audika has experienced first-hand how hearing can have a profound impact on our relationships, self- confidence and mental health.

“Three quarters of Australian seniors that participated in the survey said hearing is important to help them engage with their community.

“Our survey highlights the critical role auditory health plays in enabling seniors to actively participate in their communities and maintain their overall well-being. Prioritising auditory health means seeking regular hearing assessments and taking proactive measures to address any hearing-related issues.”

World Hearing Awareness Week is an important opportunity for older  Australian to reflect on the importance of taking care of their ears so they can continue to enjoy listening to the sounds they know and love.

Audika is encouraging all Australian’s, especially seniors, to ‘Love Your Ears’ by visiting their closest clinic for a free hearing check (over the age of 26) or take Audika’s five-minute online hearing check on their website here.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  1. I just wanted to reach out and let you know that your content has been quite helpful for me.

    My friends from Allthingsaustria recommended your site and I’ve not been disappointed at all 🙂

    Cheers,
    Mihkael Caron

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Nurse Health: Why Are So Many Prone to Obesity?

Nurses are the picture of care. They work tirelessly and selflessly to care for others who are hurt or ill. They care for our elderly and they care for our young. But are they caring for themselves? It’s not uncommon to see some nurses that are obese, which might be perceived as a conflicting image to some... Read More

Embracing Life: Enriching hobbies for the golden years

Read More

Sixty per cent of residents on psychotropic medications, says Royal Commission submission

Psychotropic medications are being taken by more than 60 per cent of aged care residents, says dementia researcher Dr Juanita Westbury in her submission to the Royal Commission. Dr Westbury told HelloCare that most staff who administer the medications believe the drugs are more beneficial than evidence actually suggests, and they are not aware of... Read More
Advertisement