Mar 01, 2024

Hearing vital for older Australian to feel connected

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.

"Hearing is not just about perceiving sound; it's about connecting with others and engaging in meaningful interactions," she said.

“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.