Listening to the Community During Hearing Week
Minister for Human Services Tanya Plibersek and Minister for Mental Health and Aging Mark Butler have both had their hearing checked at Parliament House by staff from Australian Hearing, as they marked Hearing Awareness Week (21-27 August).
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Joint release
The Hon Mark Bultler MP
Minister for Mental Health and Ageing
The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP
Minister for Human Services
Minister for Social Inclusion
22 August 2011Minister for Human Services Tanya Plibersek and Minister for Mental Health and Aging Mark Butler today made sure they were listening to the community as they marked Hearing Awareness Week (21-27 August).
The ministers both had their hearing checked at Parliament House by staff from Australian Hearing, which offers free hearing screenings to eligible customers across the country through the year.
Ms Plibersek said Hearing Awareness Week provided an opportunity to raise awareness in the community about the extent of hearing loss among Australians and what could be done to help suffers.
“With one in six Australians suffering from a hearing loss, Hearing Awareness Week is an annual reminder to people to take care of their hearing and have regular screenings,” Ms Plibersek said.
“While having your hearing checked isn’t on everyone’s to do list, I would encourage people to take the test which only lasts around 15 minutes.”
Minister Butler said it was particularly important for older people to have regular hearing checks, as the incidence of hearing loss increases in older Australians.
“Hearing loss affects 60% of the population aged over 60. That’s why it’s recommended those in their 60s should have a screening every three years and discuss the options for managing a hearing loss,” Mr Butler said.
“Australian Hearing offers subsidised hearing services for pensioner concession cardholders and most veterans.”
In support of Hearing Awareness Week, Australian Hearing is hosting a range of activities around the country including:
- Free hearing screenings at Terry White Chemists across the country;
- Local activities at Australian Hearing’s 110 hearing centres.
- Conducting free hearing screenings at Parliament Housein Canberra;
- Exhibiting at the Communication Access Expo at Parliament House in Canberra;
At the screening today, Ms Plibersek and Mr Butler also presented a cheque for $12,000 to the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children on behalf of Australian Hearing.
“We are delighted this funding has been made available to the Institute and particularly that it will go toward early intervention services for children who are hearing impaired,” said Ms Plibersek.
“Studies show that the earlier children are treated for their hearing impairment, the easier it is for them to learn and communicate.”
To book a free hearing screening, or to find out if you are eligible for Australian Hearing services, call 131 797, or visit the Australian Hearing website
Media contacts:
Minister Plibersek’s office - 0466 773 531
Mr Butler’s office - (02) 6277 7280
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