More than one-quarter of Australians neglect their hearing because they “don’t understand and know where to start,” and over half believe there is stigma around hearing loss, a survey of 1,005 adults suggests.
The nationwide online survey, commissioned by Audika, shows Australians prioritise their sight over hearing, despite most (77%) knowing someone who is hard of hearing.
Most respondents (86%) ranked sight as their most important sense followed by hearing (69%) and this was reflected in which sense they cared for more, with 73% admitting that between hearing and sight, their hearing was the most neglected.
While the majority (80%) claimed they had ‘a little’ understanding of hearing loss, 27% said they neglected their hearing because they don’t understand and know where to start.
More than half (59%) thought there was stigma surrounding hearing loss and this increased among respondents aged 18-24 (61%) and 50-64 (64%). It declined slightly among those aged 65 and over (55%) and dropped to 40% for senior respondents.
Improved quality of life for Matildas goalkeeper
Ms Mackenzie Arnold, Audika ambassador and goalkeeper for the Australian women’s soccer team, the Matildas who are preparing to head to the Paris Olympic Games, recently discussed her experience with hearing loss. She admitted there was stigma around avenues for addressing hearing loss that, as a child, prevented her from seeking treatment.
“I was in denial that my hearing was ‘bad enough’ to get it checked, because there was a stigma around some of the ways you might address hearing loss,” Arnold said.
“Despite my brother having hearing loss since childhood, I convinced myself mine was not bad enough until early last year, and he was my biggest driver in seeking help.
“Since addressing my hearing loss, I have noticed a great change in the quality of my life, and I want to inspire others to feel comfortable to get their hearing checked earlier.”
Audika said stigma associated with hearing loss and the number of respondents who knew someone who is hard of hearing suggested many Australians may not be prioritising their hearing health.
However, more than a quarter of respondents said hearing was the sense they found the most soothing and comforting of the five senses.
Ms Lauren McNee, audiologist at Audika, said: “Hearing impacts how confident we feel to engage in community, listen to loved ones, and feel a sense of belonging. While it is often an overlooked health issue, it is one that can greatly impact mental health and emotional wellbeing.
“Whether it’s your own hearing or the hearing of a loved one, it’s important to discuss hearing health, reduce stigma around hearing loss and promote hearing checks.
NSW respondents were the most inclined among those surveyed to agree there was stigma around hearing loss (65%) compared to 58% in Queensland and Victoria, and 50% in Western Australia.
Victorian respondents were most likely to know someone with probable hearing loss, with almost eight in ten claiming to know someone who is hard of hearing. This compared with 72% in WA, 75% in Queensland and 77% in NSW.
Audika has more than 300 hearing clinics across Australia.
The survey was conducted by independent research services provider PureProfile in February.
More reading
Bupa to build on audiology footprint in new healthcare strategy
Meta-analysis gives compelling evidence adult-onset hearing loss is a dementia risk
Brain scans show hearing aids help slow brain aging in mild cognitive development
