Empowering the 5.46 million Australians
who are hard of hearing.

The journey toward a hearing-inclusive society is not a sprint; it is a marathon of persistence and evidence-based persuasion. Deafness Forum Australia was founded on the principle that the user of the service should be the one defining the service. This philosophy of “nothing about us, without us” remains our guiding light. In the coming decade, we are focusing on four critical “Strategic Levers” that will redefine hearing health in Australia. Firstly, Prevention. We know that up to 50% of hearing loss cases are entirely preventable with the right public education and noise-safety legislation. We are working with the WHO to bring the “Make Listening Safe” campaign to every Australian school and workplace. Secondly, Technology Access. While Australia has some of the best audiologists in the world, the cost of top-tier hearing aids and assistive devices remains a significant barrier for many. We are advocating for a total overhaul of the subsidy system to reflect modern technology standards.

Thirdly, we are tackling Social Isolation. Research increasingly shows the profound link between untreated hearing loss and cognitive decline, depression, and social withdrawal. By treating hearing loss early, we can improve the mental health outcomes for millions of aging Australians. Finally, we are strengthening the National Voice. By bringing together disparate groups, from state-based associations to specialised research centres, we create a formidable coalition that cannot be ignored. Every member who joins Deafness Forum Australia adds volume to this voice.