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.

“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Your email address will not be published.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

Here’s what workers think could help improve the aged care system in Australia

In recent decades, there have been dozens of inquiries into the aged care sector and yet we still hear reports of neglect and abuse. Here are the ideas proposed by aged care workers to ‘fix’ the aged care system. Read More

Why some nursing homes are better at protecting residents and staff from COVID-19

The coronavirus pandemic has posed a serious threat to the US long-term care industry. A third of all deaths have been nursing home residents or workers – in some states it’s more than half. Yet some long-term care facilities have managed to keep the virus at bay. For example, veterans’ homes in California have seen... Read More

Poor lifestyle in 60s linked to higher risk of care admission

New observational research suggests physical inactivity, smoking, poor diet and experiencing sleep disorders in your early 60s put you at double the risk of admission into aged care. Read More
Advertisement
Exit mobile version