The number of Australians with hearing loss is expected to double over the next 35 years and, by 2050, one in four Australians are expected to be impacted.
Ageing is a major factor in hearing loss. Currently, over half the Australian population aged between 60 and 70 have some form of hearing loss. This increases to more than 70 per cent of those over the age of 70, and 80 per cent of those over the age of 80.
Research conducted by Hearing Australia’s research arm, the National Acoustic Laboratories (NAL), found that untreated hearing loss can leave people feeling isolated and their relationships can suffer.
Thankfully, once diagnosed and treated, people see improvement in their relationships and wellbeing, and can participate more fully in activities, reconnecting with those around them.
To make it easy for more Australians to receive expert hearing care, Hearing Australia is hitting the road in March to provide access to free hearing checks for anyone aged 18 and over in more than 1,000 events across the country.
World Hearing Day is marked by the World Health Organisation on March 3 every year to raise awareness of hearing loss and promote ear and hearing care with this year’s theme being “Ear and hearing care for all! Let’s make it a reality”.
