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Your email address will not be published.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

What should home care workers do for clients with dementia?

Around 65% of Australians living with dementia reside in the community, so home care can be an important part of continuing to lead a fulfilling life. Read More

Losing Weight and Gaining Health as a Senior

“Older Australians—people aged 55 years and over—are being strongly caught up in the national obesity epidemic”, a study by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reports. Maintaining a healthy weight lowers risk of chronic illness, disability, and social impairments, and is therefore vital for seniors in aged care homes. Seniors can retain mobility, lose weight, and... Read More

Aged care resident orders pizza after complaints about food ignored

When 90-year–old aged care resident Andrew* complained to his nursing home’s managers that the food they were preparing had little nutritional value and was often served cold, he was promised things would improve. Read More
Advertisement