One of Australia’s greatest ever cricket players and current Australian Cricket Coach, Justin Langer, will be going ‘all out’ in 2021, lending his public profile to WA’s Ear Science Institute Australia as its new Ambassador.
50-year-old Langer said he was looking forward to working with Ear Science Institute Australia – which powers Lions Hearing Clinics throughout WA, given his own personal experiences with hearing issues. His main objective will be to encourage everyone to get their hearing checked and to strive for early intervention when it comes to hearing-related issues, similar to his own.
Justin says, “Having taken on the role of Head Coach of the Australian Cricket Team in 2018 I have experienced different personal and professional challenges over the last few years. Some of those have included flare-ups in existing hearing and ear-related issues like tinnitus, vertigo and vestibular migraines.
“These issues have had a natural impact on my physical and mental well-being. I know first-hand the difficulties related with hearing loss and vestibular imbalance and the importance of addressing ear and hearing issues early.”
Hearing loss is also present in Justin’s family with his father Colin completely deaf in one ear. An MRI 25 years ago found a tumour that was removed during an 8-hour operation. That operation to remove an acoustic neuroma left him with complete hearing loss in his right ear.
Justin adds, “Witnessing all the trouble my dad had with his hearing, combined with my passion for looking after myself both physically and mentally, led me to get help as soon as possible. I’m hoping I can remove some of the stigmas associated with hearing loss and open up the conversation for men and women to go get their hearing checked. Too often it’s something we leave until more permanent damage is done so please get your hearing checked.”
With almost 1 in 6 West Australians experiencing hearing impairment in their lifetime, recognising the signs are vital and research shows that early intervention can significantly contribute to better hearing outcomes.
Lions Hearing Clinic says people should look out for these important signs which could protect their hearing future:
- Difficulty distinguishing what people are saying, despite being able to hear them
- Feeling fatigued after social interactions in a noisy environment
- Finding yourself withdrawing from social situations
- Having trouble hearing what other people are saying over the phone
- Asking people to repeat themselves
Ear Science Institute Australia CEO Sandra Bellekom says, “We are thrilled to welcome Justin into the Ear Science Institute family and to work alongside such an incredible West Australian icon. In 2021 we hope Justin’s passion for a healthy lifestyle prompts people to address hearing loss early and to see that early intervention can change your life and prevent further damage.”
