No knowledge of the relationship between hearing loss and other health conditions
A survey has found that most Australians are not aware that untreated hearing loss is associated with some serious health conditions.
The survey found that among Australians aged 18 years and older:
- 95% are unaware of the relationship between hearing issues and arthritis
- 91% are unaware of the association between diabetes and hearing issues
- 85% are unaware of the impact hearing loss can have on depression
Middle ear infections
Even the relationhip between middle ear infections and hearing loss is not well known. 63% of Australians are unaware of the link between middle ear infections and hearing issues, according to the survey.
Language development
72% of Australians are also not aware of the link between poor language development and hearing issues.
Do not seek help
The survey also found that the majority (61%) of Australians aged over 40 years with hearing loss did not seek help within five years, with 42% among those having serious hearing loss.
About the survey
The survey “Hearing Loss Issues” was conducted in 2017 among a national sample of 1,000 Australians aged 18 years and older. Data in the survey was weighted by age, gender and region.
Source: www.prwire.com.au