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As part of National Week of Deaf People (15-23 October), Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Ken Wyatt AM MP, said many people don’t realise how vital our hearing is, until it’s gone.

“Our hearing is incredibly precious, but unfortunately, one-in-six Australians currently experience some sort of hearing loss,” Mr Wyatt said.

“This figure is expected to increase to one-in-four within the next 35 years, with the elderly, young people and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people particularly at risk.

My Federal colleague, the member for Reid, Craig Laundy, this week bravely shared the story of his young daughter’s hearing loss, the importance of early intervention and detection.

Mr Wyatt said, Mr Laundy’s story is similar to that of many Australian families, particularly in Indigenous communities.

“Ear disease, particularly Otitis media, and associated hearing loss is highly prevalent among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Persistent ear disease can lead to delayed speech and educational development.”

Environmental factors can also play a significant part in hearing loss, particularly for young people.

“World Health Organization data shows nearly 50 per cent of teens and young adults are exposed to unsafe levels of sound from their personal audio devices, and 40 per cent experience potentially damaging sound levels at nightclubs and concerts,” said Mr Wyatt.

“That’s why the Government, through Australian Hearing, is providing free hearing checks at locations such as agricultural shows, shopping centres, expos and regional areas,” he said.

Last financial year 700,000 people accessed the Australian Government Hearing Services Program. And, since mobile hearing checks began in 2009, more than 28,000 people have been tested free of charge.

Mr Wyatt said resources like the Know Your Noise website offer hints to protect your hearing.

“The Australian Government is also investing in research through the Hearing Loss Prevention Program and the National Acoustic Laboratories to help identify the causes of preventable hearing loss,” he said.

More information about the National Week of Deaf People, including activities and events available nationally, is available at the Deaf Australia website.

More information about the Hearing Loss Prevention Program is available on the Hearing Services website.