LISTEN UP!
It’s high time to take our hearing health seriously
With hearing loss affecting one in seven Australians – that’s 3.5 million people – we think this health issue is something to make some noise about. Australian Hearing’s audiologist Janette Thorburn explains why regular hearing checks are vital...
1 It’s a slow burn
It’s not breaking news that ageing is the most significant cause of hearing loss, but Janette says it’s something that can easily creep up on the best of us. “It usually starts in our 50s and progresses very slowly, making it sometimes difficult to detect because the person becomes mes used to adjusting around the he loss,” she says.
2 It’s neglected
Australian Hearing – the country’s leading hearing specialist – is on a mission n to make good hearing a priority for healthy living. It’s encouraging people to have ve a hearing check during their eir regular health check-ups. “Everyone over 50 should start to have their hearing screened ened every two years,” Janette says.
“It’s just like getting your blood pressure, teeth and eyesight checked – it’s all part of ensuring we stay as healthy as we can.”
3 It’s not pricey
As part of a public awareness program, you can get a hearing screening for free. “You’re asked to listen to a series of sounds and indicate when you can hear them,” she says. “You can even do it online at hearinghelp.com.au, at a local pharmacy or at an Australia Hearing Centre.”