Media Release
Politicians get a good hearing
14 August 2007
Politicians and parliamentary staff will be able to have their hearing checked this week, during Australian Hearing’s visit to Parliament House in the lead up to Hearing Awareness Week, an initiative of the Deafness Forum of Australia.
Many politicians took advantage of the opportunity to have a free screening, including the Minister for Human Services, Senator Chris Ellison.
“One in six Australians has a hearing loss. Hearing Awareness Week is an annual reminder to all Australians to take care of their hearing and get regular hearing screenings,” Senator Ellison said.
“I will be getting my hearing checked again this year and hope it’s as good as last year.”
Senator Ellison encouraged older Australians, in particular, to get regular hearing checks.
“More than half of people aged over 60 have a hearing loss. It’s important for our ageing population to think about their hearing health, so they can continue to communicate and connect with society”
Deafness Forum is the national coordinating body of Hearing Awareness Week, which runs from the 19th to the 25th of August. This year’s theme is ‘get the message’.
Australian Hearing is using the entire month of August to promote hearing awareness, utilising its 92 centres around Australia.
If you’re over 65 and haven’t had your hearing checked in the past two years, contact Australian Hearing on 131 797 or visit www.hearing.com.au to find your nearest Australian Hearing centre.
Media Contact: Michael Barrett – (02) 6277 7200 or 0419 424 359.