The adoption of hearing technology reduces risk of depression and improves engagement with life

We all have someone in our lives living with hearing difficulties. In fact 70% of Australians over 70 years of age have a form of hearing loss. What is perhaps less known is that hearing loss may signal a number of other health conditions including:

• chronic kidney disease

• depression,

• diabetes,

• cardiovascular disease,

• alzheimers and dementia,

• increased hospitalisation,

• and risk of falls.

The management of hearing loss and the adoption of hearing technology and hearing aids has been proven to improve quality of life. Research from Hearing Australia finds that hearing aid owners experience:

• Lower risk of depression (11% versus non-owners* 32%)

• More regular exercise (42% versus 28%)

• Regular social activities (52% versus 31%)

• Feel more engaged with life (59% versus 34%)

• Not getting more forgetful (55% versus 34%)

*Non-owners in top-50% loss segment

Hearing technology today is enabling more connection than ever before

Smart hearing devices, for example the Made for iPhone hearing aids, include a chip in the device to enable users to seamlessly connect to several bluetooth devices including iPhones, iPads, eBook readers, car stereos, TVs, laptops, voice assistants, and Phonac Roger devices.

Once connected, people can then stream content like audio books, music, TV, video and telephone calls. They can also access room loops through telecoil in aged care facilities, be remotely fine-tuned and access remote microphone technology.

There are also apps that feature alerts and support safety. For example when there is a fall, talk to text live transcribing, personal amplifiers and hearing aid management, troubleshooting and education.

Digital literacy skills take the experience to the next level

The possibilities to improve the experiences of people with hearing loss is significant with these types of innovations, but to make the best use of it, you’ll need to understand how to make all this work for you. That’s why digital skills are key.

We have worked with many seniors who are unaware or lack the skills to bluetooth their hearing devices. Technology is the enabler but you need to know how to use the tool to produce the outcomes.

YourLink and Hearing Australia events aim to enable better device and digital experiences

We believe that partnerships are key to solving some of the challenges faced by older Australians. We are really pleased to be working with Hearing Australia to co-develop and deliver a series of events to help seniors improve their experiences with hearing technology and digital devices.

Attendees will be supported by both Hearing Australia and YourLink staff to learn more about their hearing aids, how to connect them to their smart devices and enable better connectivity through device features; as well as introductory digital literacy skills.

If you’re a provider of care services to seniors or carers and would like to understand more about these events, please send an email to info@yourlink.com.au or call Rick Hollingworth on 0447 866 437.