New Hearing Australia-commissioned research1 reveals Australian women are significantly less likely than men to prioritise their hearing health, showing that while women have a strong understanding of the social and emotional impacts of hearing loss, many are still putting their own hearing health last.
In a media release ahead of Mother’s Day, Hearing Australia said it was encouraging women to make themselves a priority by booking a regular hearing check – and inviting Australians to start supportive conversations about hearing health with the women in their lives.
The Hearing Australia survey1 reveals 31% of women report getting their hearing checked at least every three years, compared with 50% of men, and around one in five (21%) women have never had a hearing check.
At the same time, the results showed women understood the consequences of untreated hearing loss. Sixty-one per cent are aware it can lead to loneliness and 70% believe it can negatively impact relationships.
Despite this awareness, many women delay seeking help.
Hearing Australia said only 41% of women say they would get a hearing check if hearing difficulties were affecting parts of their life – such as struggling to hear in noisy places like restaurants or cafés. In fact, more than a third (38%) of women surveyed believe hearing loss is simply something you have to live with as you get older.
A small step that can make a big difference
Hearing Australia principal audiologist Karen Hirschausen said the findings highlighted a disconnect between what women know about hearing loss and whether they act on it.
“There are many reasons women may delay prioritising their hearing health such as competing responsibilities, time pressures and often putting the needs of others first,” Hirschausen said.
“Hearing loss can be devastating and it’s not something you just ‘have to live with’ as you get older. Left untreated, hearing loss can affect communication, relationships and overall wellbeing.
“The good news is that hearing loss can be managed effectively for most people, especially when it’s identified early. A simple hearing check and getting support if needed can help women stay confident, connected and actively engaged in work, family and community life.”
The research1 also highlighted the positive role loved ones can play, with 40% of women saying they would get their hearing checked if prompted by a family member or friend.
“If you’ve noticed your mum, partner or a loved one struggling to hear, a gentle nudge could make all the difference. Hearing checks are quick and easy. And if help is needed, there are many simple, affordable and discreet options available,” Hirschausen said.
‘I didn’t act on it until three years later’
For grandmother and physiotherapist Linda Chee, hearing loss crept up gradually and went unaddressed for several years, despite early signs noticed by those around her.
“My late husband, who was a GP, first suggested I get my hearing checked, but I didn’t act on it until about three years later,” Chee said.
“I began struggling in places like cafes where friends would point out I was answering the wrong question. My children were noticing misunderstandings and the neighbours noticed the TV getting louder.”
Over time, it began to affect both her work and relationships, as she tried to accommodate by focusing on lip reading.
“I had difficulties hearing in work meetings, but it was during COVID so I attributed it to the masks. I began avoiding situations where I couldn’t hear properly as it felt easier than constantly trying to keep up,” she says.
Despite never previously having a hearing check, three years ago, Chee decided to act, visiting Hearing Australia where she was fitted with hearing aids. Now, she continues to work a couple of days a week and travels every few years to Europe where her children and grandchildren live, embracing the family connections she values most.
“The difference was immediate. It’s had such a positive impact, not just at work, where I can properly hear my patients, but in my personal life too,” she said. Now I can enjoy clearer conversations with my family, quality time with my grandchildren, even simple things like phone calls and watching TV are easier.”
Making hearing health part of self-care
Hirschausen said regular hearing checks were crucial and she encouraged women to see them as a normal part of looking after their health, just like eye tests or dental check-ups.
“Stories like Linda’s show just how transformative taking that first step can be – not just for hearing, but for confidence, connection and quality of life,” she said
“This Mother’s Day, we’re reminding women that their health matters too.”
Chee echoes this sentiment and urges other women to get their hearing checked.
“Getting my hearing checked and using hearing aids have made me feel like myself again. I’m so grateful I finally took that step,” she said.
For more information, visit Hearing Australia.
Reference
- Nationally representative online survey of n=1,022 Australian adults conducted by LiGHTSPEED on behalf of Hearing Australia, 20–24 October 2025.
