A NEW study from Specsavers Audiology suggests that 614, or 20%, of Salamander Bay residents aged 40 and over have experienced some hearing loss in the last 3 years.

Advertise with News of The Area today.
It’s worth it for your business.
Message us.
Phone us – (02) 4981 8882.
Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au

Of those Salamander Bay residents over 40 who have suffered hearing loss, 338 individuals chose to leave their hearing loss untreated despite help being available to them.

The study, which was conducted by YouGov for Specsavers between 29 September and 8 October 2020, also indicated that of men aged 40 and over, nearly a quarter (24%) have had some hearing loss in the last three years compared to women of the same age at 15%.

“There’s a perception that hearing loss is only experienced by the elderly, but the research shows it is also affecting generations before, with a large portion of those being aged in their 40s and 50s,” said Specsavers Salamander Bay Audiology Professional Simone Jolly.

The study also revealed that 56% of Australians over the age of 40 have not had their hearing checked in the last three years.

Ms Jolly said that early intervention was key to preventing long term hearing loss.

“We know that on average, it takes Australians 7-10 years to acknowledge they have hearing loss before taking action so we are encouraging Salamander Bay locals to be vigilant about hearing checks to make sure they receive the support they need, when they need it.

“When it comes to hearing health, prevention is best so watch out for signs of hearing loss because some conditions are better treated when diagnosed early so you can not only avoid the physical problem but also the emotional toll that comes with it.

“Poor hearing can push people to withdraw from social scenarios or even cause severe stress as they find it hard to communicate with others,” she said.

By Doug CONNOR