“Listen Up” for Hearing Awareness Week

Alex Dalland

With Hearing Awareness Week starting in just a few days, North Shore residents who are concerned about their hearing are being advised to get tested early to prevent further hearing loss.

“An increasing number of studies show that individuals with hearing loss who identify and treat the issue early are more likely to adapt quickly to the increased sound they will hear with a hearing aid,” Michael Smith, Director of National Hearing Care says.

“The longer hearing loss is left untreated the harder it can be to retrain the brain to recognise sounds that become available with a hearing device.”

According to the Deafness Forum of Australia, untreated hearing loss can lead to a host of other problems such as depression and feelings of loneliness or isolation, and can place strain on routine social activities like going to parties. Hearing loss can even affect work performance.

“Hearing loss costs the Australian economy $12 billion a year by preventing people from participating and reaching their full potential in the workforce,” Deafness Forum of Australia Chairperson David Brady says.

During Hearing Awareness Week, anyone over the age of 50 and anyone concerned about their hearing is strongly encouraged to get their hearing tested.

“Despite the fact that hearing loss is a serious health issue, most Australians wait an average of seven years to act on their hearing loss, but a hearing check takes only 15 minutes and could make significant difference,” Smith says.

Sydney Observer’s August Online issue includes a feature on Hearing Awareness Week – to read more visit: Sydney Observer August