The World Health Organization has estimated that by 2050 over 700 million people, or one in every 10 people, will have disabling hearing loss. Yet, it remains one of the most neglected areas of aged care.
Unlike mobility issues or memory decline, hearing loss doesn’t always present itself in obvious ways. Instead, it quietly chips away at a person’s confidence, independence and ability to connect with others.
We see it every day in aged care – residents who gradually withdraw from conversations, who stop engaging in group activities, who seem more isolated than they used to be.
Residential aged care providers have an important role to play in proactively addressing hearing difficulties before they reach crisis point
Normalise hearing checks
In most aged care homes, there are routine checks for eyesight and mobility, but what about hearing? Providers should integrate hearing assessments into their residents’ care plans. A simple annual check could mean the difference between a resident feeling engaged or feeling invisible.
Create a culture of hearing awareness
Hearing loss can lead to more than just communication issues; it can impact confidence, cognitive function and even the ability to participate in life’s joys, like music and conversation. Its impact on quality of life means hearing assistance should be a standard part of aged care and embedded into your culture of caring. This includes:
- training staff to recognise the subtle signs of hearing loss
- encouraging residents to speak openly about hearing challenges
- designing quieter communal spaces to reduce background noise
- ensuring proper lighting so residents can lip-read more easily.
Help residents access the right support
Many Australians are eligible for subsidised hearing loss treatment under the Government Hearing Services Program, but navigating these options can be overwhelming, and many continue to fall through the cracks.
Aged care providers can help by connecting residents with trusted hearing care providers that offer:
- personalised hearing solutions tailored to individual needs
- flexible payment plans for those worried about affordability
- online hearing tests and nearby clinics for easy access to support.
Start the conversation
One of the biggest barriers to treatment is the belief that hearing loss is just something people have to live with, so it is important to help older people understand they can do something about it.
Aged care providers have the power to ensure residents don’t suffer in silence. By making hearing care a priority, we can give back independence, dignity and joy to those we care for.
Start the conversation by encouraging residents and families to prioritise hearing checks, training staff to recognise the signs of hearing loss and working with trusted providers like Audika, which offers free hearing checks for Australians over 26. As we step into a new era of support for older people, hearing health must be considered a standard part of quality care.
Audika