Sound advice for your patients

You should refer anyone you suspect may have a hearing loss. Your patient may have hearing loss if they are reporting or experiencing any of the following:

• Muffling of speech and other sounds.
• Difficulty understanding words, especially against background noise or in a crowd.
• Having to ask others to repeat themselves or commenting that people don’t speak clearly.
• Needing to turn up the volume of the television or radio.
• Withdrawal from conversations.
• Avoidance of some social settings.
• Feeling tired or stressed from having to concentrate while listening.
• Friends or family commenting on their hearing.

Hearing loss is the third most prevalent health issue facing older adults. Nearly half of people older than age 75 and approximately one-third of those aged 65 to 74 have a hearing loss. However, only 20% of those individuals who might benefit from treatment actually seek help. Untreated hearing loss can affect a person’s physical and mental health, including their overall health, behaviour and relationships. As a person’s hearing deteriorates the sound signals to the brain become weaker. This can result in a lack of auditory stimulation and social isolation, and has been found to be a significant risk factor for reduced cognitive function and dementia. Early detection and treatment of hearing loss can help prevent some of these health concerns.

Every New Zealand citizen and permanent resident aged 16 years and over are entitled to a Government subsidy of $1,022 towards a pair of hearing aids, or up to $511 towards a single hearing aid, once every six years. In addition to the Government subsidy, there are also several other funding options including ACC and Veterans’ Affairs. Our audiologists will help your patient apply for funding that may be available to them and support them every step of the way. 

Click here to learn more about our funding options or contact us on 0800 800 864 for more information.