World Hearing Day 2025

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An international celebration

World Hearing Day brings people together to raise awareness on how to prevent deafness and hearing loss, and promote ear and hearing care in Australia and globally.

One in four Australians could have hearing loss by 2050. Macquarie University is working together to positively impact people with hearing loss, their families and the community.

2025 program

Attendees to this year’s World Hearing Day celebrations can:

  • engage with diverse organisations and individuals from the d/Deaf and hard of hearing community
  • participate in a hearing screening test
  • ask an audiologist questions
  • hear from people with lived experiences in two panel discussions (includes exciting door prizes)
  • attend discussions with leading researchers
  • enjoy a social BBQ lunch to continue those all-important conversations.

See some of the highlights from last year’s event, and join us for World Hearing Day 2025.

Where: Australian Hearing Hub (AHH), Macquarie University
When: Monday 3 March 2024, 9am – 3.30pm

Time Activity Location in AHH
9–9.30amArrivals and registrationLevel 1
9.30–10am Official opening and welcome Level 1, lecture theatre
10–11am Panel discussion: People with age-related hearing loss Level 1, lecture theatre
11am – 1pm Consumer groups and technology providers exhibit Ground floor
11am – 2pm Hearing screening Ground floor
11am – 12.30pm Meet a researcher Level 3
12–2pm Ask an audiologist questions Level 5
12.30–1.30pm BBQ lunch Level 3, outdoor space
1.30–3pm Policy with experienced advocates Level 1, lecture theatre
3–3.15pm Closing ceremony Level 1, lecture theatre

Events

Learn more about each event.

Join us for a compelling panel discussion in celebration of World Hearing Day. We will hear from five individuals, each with their own personal experiences of living with hearing loss, who will share how they first became aware of their hearing loss, their journeys in connecting with hearing health professionals, and the challenges they continue to face.

We'll hear about their interactions with audiologists, the role of hearing aids in their lives, and whether these devices truly meet their needs in all situations. The panelists will also discuss their interest in exploring new technologies that could help improve communication with their loved ones and the wider world.

This discussion will provide valuable insights into the realities of living with hearing loss and spark important conversations about the future of hearing health and support.

Facilitator

Emma Scanlan – principal audiologist for adults at Hearing Australia, responsible for service delivery and quality for adults with complex needs.

Panel members
  • Patrick Byrnes – born in 1937, is an 88-year-old widower living in a retirement village. He enjoys good health and is able to care for himself. Eight years ago, Patrick experienced sudden hearing loss, which he believes was partly due to underestimating the noise in enclosed spaces while cleaning out his home for a quick sale. The noise from machinery and weather also contributed to the damage. Now, Patrick wears hearing aids, and while background noise can be frustrating, it is the loss of musical enjoyment that affects him most deeply. He misses the clarity of music, a loss that has had a significant impact on him.
  • Elizabeth Ellis – a nurse with lifelong hearing loss, initially hesitated to undergo cochlear implant surgery despite recommendations in 2008. Fearing rejection and complications, she continued using hearing aids until they no longer worked. In 2013, after her hearing worsened, she had a Cochlear implant, which greatly improved her quality of life. As her hearing deteriorated further, she received a second implant in 2019. Elizabeth now hears clearly and actively supports others with hearing loss, encouraging early intervention and sharing her experience at NextSense events. Her advice is to gather information and consider Cochlear implants sooner rather than later.
  • Brian Engert – finally acknowledged that he needed hearing aids following prompting from family members and the fact that it was especially difficult to hear his young grandchildren with their small voices and diminished height.  Service in the Australian Artillery in his 20s and then a career in the printing industry possibly contributed to the hearing loss. Since acquiring hearing aids there has been a marked improvement in clarity and comprehension, although sometimes it feels he is hearing 'too' much, especially in crowded situations where the noise can be overwhelming. Overall, having hearing aids has been a positive experience.
  • Shanagh Sangster – trained as a teacher and developed a passion for understanding the root causes of children's learning difficulties, rather than simply addressing symptoms. This led her to explore auditory processing issues, distinct from hearing loss, with great success, eventually founding  her own learning difficulties consultancy. However, she later faced hearing challenges and encountered setbacks, until an exceptional audiologist was recommended. With her innovative approach, the audiologist was able to address Shanagh's unique hearing issues, offering her the support she needed to continue her work with renewed confidence.
  • Jean Youngman – is a 77-year-old wife, mother and grandmother who retired as the office manager in a primary school at the age of 57.  Her hearing loss became apparent approximately six year's ago. Jean’s consultation with Hearing Australia confirmed age-related hearing loss and has resulted in her using Signia Stiletto 5X hearing aids.  Jean is most interested in learning if the use of technology can enhance and improve the challenges that loss of hearing impacts on the sporting activities and social gatherings she pursues in retirement.

Display holders include:

Prioritise your hearing health and get your hearing screened for free on World Hearing Day. Our hearing screening is a quick and easy way to determine how well you hear sounds across different pitches.

Our free hearing screenings will operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so get in early to secure your spot.

Registration: Level 1 and ground floor.

Screening is conducted at: MQ Health Hearing and Speech Clinic.

You’ll be able to meet researchers who specialise in hearing and find out what they are currently working on.

Researchers include:

  • Tim Brochier
  • Paola Incerti
  • Saji Maruthurkkara
  • Trudy Smith
  • Catherine Treloar
  • Pia Watkins
  • Nan Xu
  • Teagan Young.

If you have a hearing-related question, World Hearing Day 2025 is the perfect time to get expert advice.

Members of the Independent Audiology Association will provide an opportunity to have your one question answered by experienced audiologists in a friendly, welcoming environment.

The team will be on hand to offer advice, answer your questions, and if needed, guide you toward additional support. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity – your hearing health matters!

Schedule your session on the day – registration is vital as sessions will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

Registration: Level 1 and ground floor.

Event: Level 5

Audiologists include:

Join us for a relaxing and social BBQ lunch in the outdoor space on Level 3. It’s the perfect opportunity to continue the meaningful conversations sparked earlier in the day. Connect with fellow attendees, share your thoughts and build new relationships over delicious food.

Everyone is welcome – whether you’re a hearing health professional or advocate, or someone with a personal interest in hearing care, this is a chance to unwind, network and celebrate World Hearing Day together.

We look forward to seeing you there – bring your appetite and your enthusiasm.

Join us for the second panel discussion in celebration of World Hearing Day, where we will hear from five passionate and experienced individuals who have been at the forefront of deafness advocacy for over a decade.

With extensive involvement in leading organisations such as Deafness Forum Australia, Deafblind Western Australia, Deaf Connect, SHHH (now Hearing Matters Australia), Audiology Australia and the National Relay Service, these advocates bring a wealth of knowledge and insight into the deafness sector.

Each panelist will have the opportunity to speak freely about the policy issues that matter most to them, offering a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the deafness community today. Don’t miss this chance to learn from some of the most experienced voices in deafness advocacy.

Facilitator

Suzanne Rosa (formerly Waldron) – is a behaviouralist, and curator. Her focus is on embedding healthy relationships within ethical systems for business, community and culture, across the globe with people who touch the lives of many others. Born deaf, she had multiple operations to restore her hearing. She is well suited to facilitate and introduce the advocates involved in our panel discussion. Suzanne is an active ambassador for R U OK? and Nakuru Hope. She founded the Kenyan giving circle, 5 Women, seeding business and community leadership for women in extreme poverty. Fairness drives her, creativity and love sustain her. She’s a former curator for TEDx and The Museum of Freedom and Tolerance. A published author, Suzanne has been nominated for Australian of the Year for her community work.

Panel members
  • Hannah McPierzie – has worked in the disability sector as an educator for almost 20 years. As an education support teacher, Hannah taught students with varieties of disabilities and with complex communication needs. Hannah acquired a disability in 2021 and now identifies as deafblind and her disability advocacy is framed from the perspective of someone with both learned and lived experience. She runs workshops and provides consulting services to a range of agencies, including government, private, schools, universities, research institutes and hospitals. Hannah is Chairperson of Deafblind West Australians, and a board director on the Deafness Forum.
  • Peter Miller – is a hard of hearing person with a life-long passion to work with individuals to achieve equality, respect and a level playing field so that Deaf, deaf and hard of hearing people can develop their potential and lead fulfilling lives. For that reason, Peter has volunteered in the Deaf, deaf and hard of hearing communities and organisations for more than 30 years including sitting on the board of Deafness Forum and Deaf Connect. Professionally, Peter is an electronics engineer who has enjoyed a successful career leading projects developing and building mobile and fibre optical communications systems.
  • Michele Nealon – is the hearing coordinator at Macquarie University, where her lived experience as a person who is hard of hearing fuels her passion for promoting inclusion. A former board and committee member of organisations such as Deafness Forum, SHHH, and the Disability Council of NSW, Michele has advocated for people with disabilities through her work with the Australian Disability Network, the Disability Royal Commission, and the National Disability Insurance Agency. Holding a Master of Philosophy in Education and a Master of Community Management, Michele has delivered workshops and speeches at international conferences in Slovenia, Germany and the U.S.
  • Alex Phillips – is a chartered accountant, and is currently the financial controller for a disability housing provider in South Australia, dedicated to improving accessible living solutions. Born profoundly deaf, Alex received a Cochlear implant at three and a half years old, which significantly shaped his journey. His lived experience drives a passionate commitment to inclusion and equity within the disability sector. With expertise in financial strategy and a personal understanding of diverse needs, Alex bridges commercial acumen with advocacy. Beyond his role, he champions empowering environments where everyone can thrive, reflecting a deep connection to his work and a vision for a more inclusive future.
  • Emma Scanlon – is principal audiologist for adults at Hearing Australia, responsible for service delivery and quality for adults with complex needs. She has delivered clinical services in the paediatric and adult areas for many years and manages policy and practice for clients with complex needs. She has delivered hearing health services in remote West Kimberley Aboriginal communities for over 15 years. Emma is a past board and committee member of Deafness Forum, SHHH (Hearing Matters Australia), Audiology Australia, National Relay Service, Aviation Access Forum and is also active in other organisations.

Accessibility

Captions will be available for all events, including the panel discussions. An infra-red hearing system is available in the level 1, lecture theatre.

A quiet room is also available for attendee use on the day. The room is located on the ground floor, just past the café seating on the left.

People with lived experience

One in six Australians, approximately 3.6 million people, navigate various degrees of hearing loss.

We’re fortunate to hear from four generous individuals who share their unique experiences, aiming to dismantle misconceptions and eradicate the social stigma tied to hearing loss.

Read their stories below.

Once an avid audiophile and now president of Hearing Matters Australia, Brendan reflects on the transformative period 15 years back when his hearing took an unexpected turn.

I noticed issues during simple morning walks with my daughter – balance problems, walking into walls. Seeking answers, I consulted my GP and underwent numerous neurology tests, initially being told it was stress. Contrary to their diagnosis, I sensed something deeper.

Brendan Lonergan accepting an award on a stageAfter a year and a half of referrals, an MRI revealed a tumour on my acoustic and balance nerves. Initially, it seemed manageable, with routine scans planned. However, the tumour had its own agenda, growing rapidly and pressing on the brain stem. This led to severe symptoms – trouble swallowing, irregular heartbeats, and worsening vision and balance.

In 2010, a critical decision was made for surgery, aiming to preserve some hearing on my right side. The operation had partial success, leaving me with residual hearing. Unfortunately, in 2011, a second surgery resulted in the complete loss of hearing in my right ear, ruling out cochlear implants due to the removal of the auditory nerve.

Confronting total deafness in one ear and deteriorating hearing in the other, I encountered challenges many wouldn’t anticipate.

The shock of losing hope for preservation led to a surreal moment in the hospital, as reality sank in. Communicating became a new challenge, compounded by the onset of screeching tinnitus – a constant, piercing sound. A 40 to 75 decibel loss in my remaining ear prompted a relentless pursuit of hearing aid advancements, navigating busy environments.

Through four sets of hearing aids in the last 14 years, I’ve navigated the challenges of evolving hearing loss, adapting to new technologies. As I face the prospect of running out of options, I continue to explore the latest advancements in hearing aid technology, determined to make the most of the available solutions.

I want people to know creating accommodations for individuals with hearing loss doesn’t have to be complex; in fact, it can involve simple yet effective changes that significantly improve accessibility. Turning attention to the workplace and educational settings, the need for concentration is paramount. Addressing issues like too many hard surfaces, glass, and polished concrete floors leading to increased background noise levels can significantly improve concentration levels. Strategic use of acoustic materials, carpets, and thoughtful design choices can create an environment conducive to focused work.

Breakout rooms pose unique challenges for individuals with hearing issues. Simple adjustments, such as spacing out students and creating designated quiet spaces, can make a world of difference. Facing your audience so they can see your face and always using a microphone with live captions in lectures and transcriptions for videos, seemingly small adjustments, can make a significant impact on accessibility.

Let’s champion inclusivity by embracing these uncomplicated yet powerful strategies. Creating environments that prioritise accessibility not only benefits individuals with disabilities but enhances the collective experience for all.

John, national manager and NSW state manager at Hear For You, tennis coach and Australian Deaflympics tennis player, tells his story.

I entered this world profoundly deaf in both ears, with an official diagnosis arriving at the tender age of one. The absence of the swish test in newborn screenings during my birth in Sydney paved the way for unique challenges, occurring a good 15 years before its widespread adoption.

John Lui wearing a purple t-shirt, standing against a brick wallOur family’s journey took an international turn as we found ourselves residing in the Netherlands with a brief time in Hong Kong. It was while overseas that my mum, a tenacious advocate, had to push for the official diagnosis, challenging sceptical doctors who doubted her intuition.

Navigating the intricate world of language development, my parents and doctors decided to have me focus on spoken language, the thought was that it’d open up more doors and speed up interactions. Access to supportive setups became a pivotal aspect of my progress.

Back in Sydney, kindergarten at Chatswood Public School marked the next chapter, with the transition from hearing aids – worn from ages one to ten – to a cochlear implant at age ten, the minimum age for implantation at that time. With the implant at the start everything just beeps and with the processor your brain must make sense of those electrical beeps. I went through months of speech therapy and at about the three month mark I thought I heard the word ‘burger’ but wasn’t sure so I asked my mum and she just started crying.

I now work for an organisation called Hear for You, a branch of The Shepherd Centre since integrating with them in 2021. We work with deaf and hard of hearing teenagers. The teen years are such a tricky time; navigating the world, making friends, developing your identity, wondering if there’s anyone else like you. Our organisation has workshops and mentoring programs connecting more than 500 teenagers across Australia since 2007.

I want people to remember that deafness and hearing loss aren’t always obvious. If you think someone has a hearing issue, just ask how you can help. Don’t worry about offending. People with disabilities ask for help all the time, and it can get pretty tiring. Even for everyday stuff like going to the movies, you have to be assertive and that’s not everyone’s natural tendency. Having good support and others advocating for you would be so liberating.

As societal awareness about disabilities grows, it’s essential to acknowledge the complexity of each individual’s experience. While public discourse is crucial, recognising that complete knowledge of every disability may be challenging is equally important. Let’s help each other, no judgments. Continue fostering understanding and embracing diversity in our shared human experience!

Michele, Macquarie University’s Hearing Coordinator, dives into her journey beyond hearing.

Is it my hearing journey or life’s intricate experiences that defines me? Born with congenital hearing condition, my life has been a symphony of songs, steering clear of the disability sector for the first 35 years.

Michele Nealon holding a microphoneThe journey with hearing aids commenced at eight, triggered by an incident at my mum’s workplace. A trolley loudly approached from behind, and I remained oblivious, prompting the realisation that there might be an issue. Thus, the hearing aids made their entrance.

School life with hearing aids was a brief affair, lasting only a week. The unkindness of peers led to a staunch refusal to wear them. The teacher’s attempt to aid by placing me in the front row backfired, leaving me vulnerable to unseen actions from behind. Consequently, high school witnessed a strategic retreat to the back rows, a habit persisting to this day. University life unfolded without the aids, but the professional realm nudged me back to them. The need arose as understanding conversations became a challenge, prompting a proactive step to enhance communication.

Getting hearing aids is not a straightforward process. Many GPs have limited knowledge about hearing loss and in fact a referral from a GP is not a prerequisite to consult an audiologist. Government-owned services, such as Hearing Australia, provide a starting point, offering a spectrum of manufacturers and services. Another avenue is the Independent Audiologist Association, where professionals detached from specific manufacturers often offer unbiased advice. Their website serves as a helpful resource for individuals seeking audiologists in their local areas.

Understanding the limitations of hearing aids is crucial, as they amplify sound but do not provide clarity for damaged nerve endings. Communication becomes a cognitive process, akin to playing Wheel of Fortune with missing letters. Factors like accents and pitch add complexity, requiring adaptability from both speakers and listeners.

Emphasising preferred communication methods becomes pivotal. Embracing technology, such as texting or video calls, provides alternatives to traditional phone calls and fosters better understanding. The effort to accommodate these preferences is appreciated by those with hearing differences.

The journey through hearing loss involves overcoming barriers related to communication and understanding. Advocacy for better communication skills and increased awareness is crucial, urging society to recognise and adapt to the diverse needs of individuals with hearing differences. Let’s create a world where everyone’s voice is heard.

Stephen, a masters student in clinical audiology at Macquarie University, shares his inspiring hearing journey.

Born and raised in Sydney, I have lived with a moderately severe to severe bilateral conductive hearing loss. I like to think of my unique auditory challenges as a ‘unicorn’ in audiology.

Stephan Tang standing in a gardenI had a pivotal moment in 2016 when I realised the value of my own hearing and have sought ways to give back to the hearing community. Since then, I have immersed myself in the hearing industry as a professional, volunteer, patient, and now, a dedicated student, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the field from every perspective.

I was born before the SWIS-H (Statewide Infant Screening Hearing program in New South Wales) program so my hearing loss was identified thanks to my parents’ observations. Diagnosed at around three years old, I got hearing aids and started with spoken language therapy at The Shepherd Centre, a non-profit organisation specialising in early hearing loss intervention.

Transitioning to mainstream education at Newington College and later Barker College, I received unwavering support from both schools. Accommodations, including sound field systems and remote microphones, were implemented to create an inclusive learning environment. Throughout this period, my friends played a crucial role, adapting to communication nuances and creating a supportive network. Simple adjustments, like choosing quiet spaces for discussions, contributed to effective communication.

When I entered university, I approached the experience with a mindset of self-reliance, determined to gauge my abilities without banking on my hearing loss for assistance. Currently pursuing a masters in clinical audiology, my unique journey has proven invaluable in building empathy with clients. My practical experiences and deep understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with hearing loss enhance my ability to connect with those seeking audiological support.

Wearing hearing aids for the past 21 years have been instrumental in overcoming the obstacle of reduced sound levels, allowing me to engage effectively in various environments. I can stream music and podcasts, effortlessly chat with friends, go for a swim, use voice commands for navigation, and adjust home lighting with a double-tap. I can do all of this because I have the ‘Ferrari of hearing aids’, which are quite expensive. While the hardware remains consistent across different models, many of the software features are locked behind paywalls.

Let’s continue to overcome challenges, break barriers and make a meaningful impact in the world of hearing. Elevate the conversation around hearing health!

  1. Unique journeys – through these shared experiences, we learn that everyone’s journey with hearing loss is distinctive. Understanding and acknowledging these differences foster a more empathetic and inclusive environment.
  2. Early detection and support matters – the importance of early detection, coupled with adequate support and cutting-edge technologies, emerges as a common thread. Timely interventions play a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of life for those with hearing impairments.
  3. Building accommodating and inclusive spaces – their stories underscore the significance of creating accommodating and inclusive spaces. From technological advancements to simple acts of understanding, there are myriad ways in which we can contribute to a more inclusive world.

Let’s embrace these insights, raising awareness and fostering a society where the diverse experiences of those with hearing loss are not just acknowledged but celebrated.

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