By Erin Seamer – Audiologist Hearing Help Newport
The short answer is NOW and then repeat the assessment annually. Everyone over the age of 60 should be having annual hearing assessments as part of their routine medical checks.
For many people it takes years before they act regarding their hearing problems. Years of asking for repeats, years of their family and friends commenting they “should get a hearing test”, years of embarrassing misinterpretations and years of missing out on clear simple conversations. If you feel this, is you or your loved one, the best course of action is to attend a comprehensive hearing assessment.
Many people tell me they had a hearing check at a shopping centre and were told “their hearing is good enough”. Generally, what they are saying is they can’t fit you with a hearing aid, because your hearing is good enough, but this doesn’t mean you don’t require a proper hearing assessment, especially if you have ear symptoms or difficulty hearing.
The links between hearing loss and aging are well understood, not just in the medical community but society. However, the prevalence of hearing loss is probably greater than most people realise, for example;
- 1 in 6 Australians have a hearing loss (within the current general population). By 2050, it is expected to be 1 in 4 (due to the aging population). *Access Economics, Listen Hear!; The economic impact and cost of hearing loss in Australia (Feb 2006)
- According to the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care; In Australia between the ages of;
- 60 to 70 years of age about 50% of the population has a hearing loss.
- 70 and 80 years, the prevalence of hearing loss is 74%
- Over 80 years of age the incidence of hearing loss is around 80% of the population.
Therefore, it is clear if you are over the age of 60, you have a 1 in 2 chance of having a hearing loss and this risk increases substantially in future years. If you are 70+ years old and having coffee with 3 friends, all but one of you will be noticing the impact of hearing difficulties. This high prevalence at the least warrants the need for everyone aged 60+ to have an annual hearing test, even if you are experiencing no symptoms of hearing loss.
Hearing loss influences the quality of life for adults and has been linked to increasing risk of depression, isolation, reduced social activity and dementia. Fortunately, the impact of these risk factors can be reduced if action is taken earlier.
Thankfully there are funding pathways that can help access annual hearing assessments. For those on an Australian Pension or DVA you may be eligible to access the Australian Government Hearing Service Program (HSP). Call the clinic at Hearing Help Newport and we will help you join this program. The HSP allows free annual hearing assessments even if you have normal hearing. If you have a hearing loss you may also be eligible to access a rebate that goes towards hearing aids, batteries and repairs, and depending upon your choice eligible clients can access fully funded (free) hearing aids.
If you are not eligible for the HSP you may be able to access Medicare funding if you ask your doctor for a referral for a hearing test. A GP care plan, NDIS or some health funds also offer rebates for hearing assessments.
Visit us at Hearing Help at Newport Marketplace Shopping Centre (Tenancy M01, 10 Lakeview Promenade, Newport QLD 4020, located inside Newport Physio rooms). Call the clinic on Ph:07 3214 3641 or email hello@hearinghelpredcliffe.com.au to book.