New research commissioned by Australian Hearing reveals that the majority of Australians aren’t aware that untreated hearing loss is associated with some serious health conditions. In particular, 91% of Australians do not realise there is an association between diabetes and hearing issues.
Other key findings of the research¹:
- 91% of Australians aren’t aware that there’s an association between diabetes and hearing issues
- 85% of Australians aren’t aware of the impact of hearing loss on depression
- 72% of Australians aren’t aware of the link between poor language development and hearing issues
- 56% of Australians aren’t aware that tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in ear) is an early warning sign of hearing loss
To help address the impact of hearing loss across the life stages, Australian Hearing has established the Hearing Health Advisory Panel (HHAP). Emma Scanlan, Australian Hearing audiologist and founding member of the HHAP comments:
One in six Australians experiences some level of hearing loss, and that figure is set to increase to one in four over the next 30 years. It’s time for us to be a part of the solution and to drive much needed awareness of its potential impact. Hearing loss, particular when left untreated, can impact a person’s physical and mental health, work, relationships and family life.
¹Hearing Loss Issues – commissioned by Australian Hearing. Conducted on the Galaxy Online Omnibus between 20 April and 23 April 2017, national sample of 1000 Australians aged 18 years and older. Data has been weighted by age, gender and region to reflect the latest ABS population estimates.