Making ear and hearing care a reality for all
In honour of World Hearing Day and this year’s theme of “Changing Mindsets: Empower yourself to make ear and hearing care a reality for all,” Uniting WA and Ear Science Institute Australia have joined forces to make a significant difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals. This partnership provides free hearing screenings and support for people in need, ensuring that access to hearing care is a reality for all.
A story of hope to better hearing
A touching example of this collaboration is the story of Paul Hayes, a 75-year-old former paramedic, who recently received hearing aids through the program. Paul, who had suffered from hearing loss due to both aging and the loud sirens of ambulances, was further impacted by his experience of homelessness. After spending 10 months sleeping on the streets, his hearing had declined significantly.
Through Uniting WA’s transitional housing program, which offers temporary accommodation and support for people experiencing homelessness, Paul was referred to Ear Science Institute Australia for a hearing screening. The partnership ensures that vulnerable individuals like Paul have access to vital hearing services, including hearing aids when needed.
Paul’s first experience with his new hearing aids left him amazed at the world of sound that had previously been muffled. “Everything is really loud,” he said, clearly adjusting to the newfound clarity in his hearing.
The importance of accessible hearing care
Audiologist Jordan Bishop, who conducted Paul’s screening, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership: “Often, it’s so much more convenient and less threatening for people if you provide services that come to them. There can be embarrassment about hearing loss, and yet addressing it is so important for quality of life. Hearing loss can lead to social isolation, especially when people struggle to hear in a crowd.”
Loss of hearing is closely linked to cognitive decline and social isolation, as people often withdraw when they cannot engage in conversations or understand what’s happening around them. The collaboration between Uniting WA and Ear Science Institute Australia directly addresses this issue, providing clients with the tools to improve their quality of life and stay connected to their communities.
Accessing hearing aids through the Commonwealth Hearing Services Program
In addition to screening services, Jordan also assisted several Uniting WA clients in accessing funding through the Commonwealth Hearing Services Program (HSP), ensuring they received hearing aids when eligible.
Partnering for change in hearing health
This partnership is a crucial step toward making ear and hearing care a reality for all, particularly those who are most vulnerable.
For more information on World Hearing Day follow the link below:
