New survey^ from Audika Australia reveals Australians are in denial about hearing loss – despite knowing its impact on mental health, cognitive decline and social isolation[ii].
- 68% of Australian respondents don’t see hearing loss as a personal health concern, and 30% have never had their hearing checked at all.
- 84% recognise that untreated hearing loss can affect mental health, yet only 21% get their hearing checked annually, exposing a major disconnect between awareness and action.
- Despite 80% of 40 yrs+ Australians seeing their GP regularly, hearing health remains deprioritised, with 74% of people believing they don’t need a hearing check.
Australia, 3 March 2024 – Whilst Australians pour billions each year into wellness fads and trends – from run club memberships to sleep tracking and contrast therapy - one critical aspect of lifelong health is being ignored: Hearing.
A new surveyii conducted by Audika Australia to highlight World Hearing Day exposes a worrying gap—while 84% of Australian respondents aged 40+ know that untreated hearing loss can affect mental health, only 21% consider getting their hearing checked annually.
Despite hearing loss being linked to cognitive decline, social isolation, and reduced quality of lifeiii in a worrying trend it is often deprioritised compared to other health concerns. 74% of Australians who responded haven’t had a hearing check believing they don’t need one, and with a staggering 96% unaware of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) 60/60 rule for safe listening[iii]—which advises keeping volume below 60% and limiting headphone use to less than 60 minutes per day to prevent long-term damage—Australians are unknowingly putting their hearing at risk.
The Missing Piece in Australia’s Wellness Obsession.
The Australian wellness industry is now reportedly valued at AUD $173 billion, ranking it 11th globally, with Australians spending big on fitness, nutrition, and mindfulnessi. This surge reflects a collective shift towards self-improvement and well-being, with many prioritising preventative care and proactive health choices.
Despite this, hearing health continues to be overlooked. While 80% of Australian respondents aged 40+ visiting their GP regularly, and 75% undergo routine health checks like blood tests or eye exams, only 30% prioritise hearing assessments. This stark contrast highlights a disconnect between general health consciousness and the role of hearing in overall health and wellbeing.ii
Why are Australians Ignoring Their Hearing?
While recognising the risks, the survey shows many Australians are still avoiding hearing checks due to stigma or fear, despite hearing loss being a common and manageable condition. Denial plays a major role—74% of those surveyed believe they don’t need a test, often dismissing hearing loss as an age-related issue, 9% delay testing for fear of diagnosis, unaware that early intervention can prevent further decline, and a further 11% simply aren’t aware of the importance of regular hearing checks, meaning thousands may be unknowingly living with untreated hearing loss.
While 16% cite affordability as a major deterrent, 7% of Australians surveyed have undergone cosmetic procedures like veneers, hair transplants, or injectables, highlighting a concerning ‘out of sight, out of mind’ mentality, prioritising more visible beauty and wellness investments over something as fundamental as hearing health.
Empowering Australians to Take Action
This World Hearing Day 2025, Audika is on a mission to challenge mindsets and make hearing care as routine as an eye exam or dental check-up, with Audika client and former Miss World Australia, Sabrina Maddock (née Houssami), sharing her personal story diagnosed at just 26 with otosclerosis, demonstrating how early intervention transformed her confidence and wellbeing.
"We invest so much in our wellbeing, from fitness routines and clean eating to beauty treatments, yet hearing health is often left behind," shares Sabrina. "For years, I struggled to keep up in conversations, feeling isolated without understanding why. When I finally got my hearing checked at 26, it was both a shock and a relief to have an answer. I’m grateful I acted when I did, and through my experience, I’ve learned that being proactive about your health is the most empowering tool of all."
Making Hearing a Wellness Priority
Access to hearing care should be a fundamental right, and everyone deserves to hear life’s best moments. By rethinking the role of hearing in overall wellbeing, incorporating the 60/60 safer hearing protection practices into daily wellness habits and scheduling regular hearing checks, Australians can take meaningful steps to preserve their auditory health and continue enjoying the sounds that enrich their livesiv.
This World Hearing Day, Audika is encouraging all Australians over 26 to ‘Love Your Ears’ by visiting their closest clinic for a free hearing check this Hearing Awareness Week (1-7 March), or take the five-minute online hearing check via https://www.audika.com.au.
[i] Global Wellness Institute. (2024). Wellness Economy Monitor 2024II
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About Audika
500 million people worldwide suffer from hearing loss. It is Audika’s ambition to help more people hear better. Healthy hearing may contribute to a higher quality of life, and people deserve to reach their full hearing potential. These ambitions are what the hearing care experts at Audika work for every day.
Audika offers high quality hearing expertise and care at more than 300 Clinics across Australia, supporting every kind of hearing loss from mild to severe. Audika is part of the Demant Group, a global group covering all areas of hearing healthcare – from diagnostic instruments, state of the art hearing aids, bone anchored hearing devices to various assistive listening devices – for over 110 years.
Please visit audika.com.au for more information.
About World Hearing Awareness Week
Championed by the World Health Organisation (WHO), World Hearing Awareness Week aims to raise global awareness about preventing deafness and hearing loss while promoting ear and hearing care. Globally, over 80% of ear and hearing care needs remain unmet, highlighting the significance of this year’s theme of ‘changing mindsets: empower yourself to make ear and hearing care a reality for all’ which also aims to address improving access and mitigating the cost of unaddressed hearing loss
Please visit www.who.int/campaigns/world-hearing-day/2025 for more information.
About the research:
^The survey was commissioned by Audika Australia. An online survey was scripted and hosted by PureProfile, an independent research services provider. A nationally representative sample of n=1,006 Australians aged 40+ were selected via randomisation to participate by the research panel provider PureProfile. Fieldwork was conducted from the 12th of February to the 17th of February 2025.
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