At our most recent meeting we heard all about Audiology Australia, and Jordan Bishop certainly gave us a lot to think about! Jordan reminded us that 3rd March 2024 was World Hearing Day and she explained what services the Ear Science Institute Australia provides (based here in Perth). With 1 in 6 Australians suffering from hearing loss, the Institute’s various divisions are dedicated to improving people’s lives through research, education and treatment. The hearing loss percentage for people over 70 is a staggering 70%, and although the condition is not life threatening, it is very inconvenient. Hearing loss can result from ageing or disease (e.g. diabetes or cardiovascular disease), but what is surprising is that it takes on average 7 years for a person to act once they become aware of their situation. The condition often leads to social withdrawal and isolation, depression, anxiety and stress, plus a greater risk of falls. Hearing screening at the Institute is free, and this leads to an assessment which identifies which part of the ear is faulty – inner, middle or outer. Depending on the outcome, the solution could be medical treatment, a device, or surgery (e.g. cochlear implant). Hearing aids come in five different forms, so the type must be suited to the degree of hearing loss that a particular person is experiencing.