Hearing loss: The silent problem

Hearing loss is a prevalent health issue among Australia’s older community, affecting around 60 per cent of people aged over 60. Maintaining good hearing allows seniors to enjoy a healthier and happier life.

Age-related hearing loss (also known as presbycusis), develops slowly over time. Because of this, many people aren’t aware their hearing is diminishing, or the impact it has on their life and the lives of those closest to them.

People often complain that everyone mumbles, or may have difficulty following conversations in noisy places. Hearing can affect how you communicate and live your life in a number of ways.

If someone is having trouble with their hearing it can impact their ability to understand what is being said and to know when to respond. Often, it’s high-pitch sounds that are affected, making speech sounds like ‘s’, ‘f’ and ‘t’ harder to hear than others. This means words which are quite different can sound the same, like tea/pea/key; shop/shot/shock; and fine/shine/sign.

Good hearing is a key to feeling like you’re part of a relationship with family and friends. For example, are you missing out on some of the things your grandchildren are saying? Do you find it hard to hear your friends when you’re at the club or a restaurant? Do you have trouble understanding people on the telephone? Or do others complain that the TV is up too loud?

If any of these situations seem familiar to you, you should consider doing something about your hearing. And not just for yourself, but also for your family and friends.

A hearing check is an easy way to learn more about your hearing and what can be done to help. It’s painless, takes less than 15 minutes and measures what sounds you can and cannot hear.

If results indicate that there may be a hearing loss present, you’ll be referred for a full assessment by a hearing professional. For some people, this full assessment can be covered through the Australian Government’s Hearing Services Program. People eligible for this program include pensioners and most veterans.

Hearing loss is common among seniors but it’s really important that you don’t put it off – take action early! Doing something about your hearing is easy and if you do need assistance, there’s a range of solutions which are easy to use and discreet.

I encourage you to take the first step to better hearing and have a check. Australian Hearing offers free hearing checks for seniors at its centres located conveniently across the country. To make an appointment at your nearest Australian Hearing, call your local centre on 131 797.
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