Webinar 1 - Why hearing loss in older adults is a major public health problem

Age-related hearing loss is a major public health problem, independently associated with higher risk of physical and cognitive declines, elevated healthcare costs and increased mortality risks. Yet, despite being ranked as the fourth-leading contributor to years lived with a disability worldwide it remains poorly addressed and prioritised globally. Hearing loss is strongly associated with age, with one in three adults over 65 years having a measurable hearing loss, increasing to approximately four in five for those over 80 years of age. Evidence supports the benefits of hearing devices even for milder forms of hearing loss, but device uptake and use in this population is generally low. Cost is often cited as a major barrier to obtaining hearing aids; however, the prevalence of uptake is similar across the UK, USA, Australia and Canada, despite considerable differences in hearing health systems and out-of-pocket expenses.

Presenters:

Associate Professor Piers Dawes (Macquarie University)

Hearing and vision impairment and mental well-being in older age

Professor Bamini Gopinath (University of Sydney)

Health and social outcomes associated with age-related hearing loss

Associate Professor Amber Willink (University of Sydney)

Health care and economic outcomes associated with hearing loss

Audiology Australia endorsed event