While hearing loss affects one in six Australians, experts acknowledge that people living with unmanaged hearing loss have found the last two years even more challenging than those without it.
AFL legend and media personality, Billy Brownless, has partnered with Hearing Australia to remind Australians that while we are now spending more time reconnecting with loved ones, it’s time to get those delayed health checks sorted and enjoy life again through the gift of sound.
New findings from Hearing Australia’s ‘Hearing Road Test’ survey of Australians found that older Australians have become more aware of changes and symptoms of hearing loss during the last 12 – 24 months of the pandemic. Despite this, only one in four (23 percent) of respondents have had their hearing checked in the last 12 months and (25 percent) don’t recall having ever received a hearing test.
Australians now have the option to try different hearing aids before they purchase them to see which brands and styles work best.
“We don’t always think about getting our hearing tested and some of us don’t know how to or where to start,” says former AFL player and media personality, Billy Brownless.
“As I’ve gotten older, I realize that hearing has been a key to my success, during my time on the field and now in the studio recording. That’s why this World Hearing Day, [I’ve been] telling all older Australians that I’ve had my hearing tested and that it’s easier than ever, with online tests, to try before you buy hearing aids,” he says.
“At Hearing Australia, we know managing your hearing can improve quality of life and we promise to make hearing easy – we know that choosing a hearing aid is a personal decision and not something you can do on the spot,” says Marc Vandenberg, Hearing Australia audiologist.
“We understand that hearing loss is unique to each person and that there is not a one size fits all approach. With 170 hearing centres nationally, we have teams of clinicians who promise to make it easy for you to find the right solution to help all Australians to continue to lead full lives,” says Kim Terrell, Managing Director of Hearing Australia.
World Hearing Day was celebrated on Thursday March 3. Test drive your hearing aids today to find your fit. For more information and to book a hearing test, call Hearing Australia on 134 HEAR or visit hearing.com.au.
