One in every two Australian adults over age 25 admit to having hearing problems and being concerned about it but only 7% have acted to address it, according to a new survey.
Hearing Australia commissioned the AntennaPoll national survey of 1,012 Australians in September 2024 and released results in December 2024.
While most knew how to seek help by speaking to a GP or visiting a hearing professional, the research highlighted perceived barriers to action. This included more than 50% believing hearing aids were too expensive or considering hearing loss was just a part of getting older.
Hearing Australia’s managing director Mr Kim Terrell said these misconceptions were outdated and stressed that hearing loss solutions could be simple, affordable and life-changing.
The research also highlighted hearing as an area of health that Australians weren’t checking as regularly. More than 70% had a blood test and dental check-up in the past year and almost 40% had a skin check, compared with only 24% having a hearing test with an audiologist.
“Hearing loss can have devastating consequences and it’s not something you just ‘have to live with’ as you get older,” Terrell said.
“There are many options to help people hear well, with hearing aid technology continually advancing to enable customised solutions for different types of hearing loss and lifestyle requirements. These solutions are affordable and eligible pensioners can access government-funded hearing services as well.
“Our research shows that only 26% of people know how to access government-funded hearing services so we encourage anyone with questions to give us a call or visit their local Hearing Australia centre.”
Terrell said, “having a quick and easy hearing check can be life-changing, for not only the person with hearing loss, but their family, friends and co-workers, reducing frustration and isolation, and increasing social interactivity.”
Sudden hearing loss the biggest driver
“Interestingly our research shows that the biggest driver for people to take action is sudden hearing loss in one or both ears,” he said.
“But hearing loss is often gradual and can show up in more subtle ways – such as not being able to hear in noisy environments or frequently asking people to repeat themselves.
“It’s often a partner or family member that notice the hearing loss first because of the need to continually repeat themselves, so doing something about hearing loss can have a really positive impact on relationships and family, as well as personal experience.”
This was the case for farmer and computer programmer Mr Craig Bowes, 54, from Naradhan, central western NSW who first noticed hearing loss over the past two to three years.
“Whilst my hearing was fine most of the time, when in noisy or crowded spaces I found it increasingly hard to hear people against the background noise,” he said. “That meant it was difficult to take part in conversations and so I found myself avoiding or not looking forward to social gatherings and events.”
He said barriers that prevented action included perception that hearing loss was something older people suffered from, and probably a certain stigma associated with hearing impairment. But he know thinks about hearing aids more as wearable tech than on old person’s aid.
“I was motivated to act after talking with two friends who are also farmers and who use a hearing aid when they are at social events, like a party or the pub,” Bowes said.
“These men are my age who I respect weren’t afraid to do something about the hearing loss that years of tractors and heavy machinery had inflicted. I also realised that the hearing aids were very high tech and not very noticeable at all.”
Bowes had a hearing test at a Hearing Australia service and a consultation to discuss what solutions might be available. The test found he had mild hearing loss and he will trial a hearing aid to see if it improves his ability to hear in social settings.
“What has impressed me is the fact that I can trial for two weeks to see what I think, and even then, I can purchase with the ability to return within 55 days for a full refund. This will allow me to be confident that the solution proposed is doing what I need it to do before committing,” he said.
Terrelll said having a hearing check was a simple and quick process that could make a huge difference. People could book a free 15-minute adult hearing check through Hearing Australia’s website or visit one of its 189 centres nationwide to discuss how to get hearing help.
Hearing Australia was voted Readers Digest’s most trusted hearing services provider for four years running.
The Department of Health and Aged Care says about 3.6 million Australians have some level of hearing loss and this is expected to double to 7.8 million people by 2060.
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