The research, which surveyed over 1,300 Australians aged over 50, suggests that healthcare professionals may need to consider additional types of communication with hearing impaired patients to ensure compliance with medication directions.

As a result of poor hearing, 14 per cent of those surveyed said they felt embarrassed to ask their GP to repeat sentences and 10 per cent find it hard to follow directions about medications[ii].

Megan Voisey, Audiologist from Australian Hearing in Coffs Harbour, says it is worrying that people with poor hearing could be at risk of misinterpreting medical advice simply because they are embarrassed to ask their GP to repeat instructions.

“It’s important for GPs to confirm with patients who have hearing difficulties that they have fully understood their instructions,” Megan said.

The survey also revealed that nearly half of Australians aged 50 and older who have been diagnosed with hearing loss wait for over four years to take action[iii].

“We encourage people to take early action when it comes to hearing problems. It’s a good idea to include a hearing check as a part of your regular health regime and GPs play an important role in this.”

The good news for Seniors is once hearing loss is treated, it can open up a new world of communication, not only improving general well-being but also personal relationships and participation in social activities you may have shied away from.

Amcal Pharmacy invites everyone to have a free hearing check and find out more about the free and subsidised hearing care available to eligible people through Australian Hearing.

To book your free hearing check for tomorrow, Thursday 27thMarch, call Bellingen Amcal Pharmacy on 6655 1124.

ENDS

Photo attached:Australian Hearing Audiologist, Megan Voisey conducting a hearing test.