For Immediate Release
1 October 2025
3.6 Million Australians at Risk: Free Webinar Explores Link Between Hearing Loss and Mental Health
[Canberra, ACT] Over 3.6 million Australians live with hearing loss, many facing higher rates of stress, anxiety, and depression as a result. To spotlight these critical issues, Deafness Forum Australia is partnering with Macro Impact Consulting to host a free webinar, ‘Mental Health, Deafness, and Hearing Loss’, on Wednesday 15 October 2025, 12pm–1pm AEDT as part of Mental Health Month.
Research by Deafness Forum Australia shows that communication barriers, delayed access to support, and a lack of culturally appropriate care often leave people isolated and struggling with their mental health.
“As a woman who is profoundly deaf, I know too well that hearing loss and mental health are deeply intertwined and negatively impact every aspect of life. With 3.6 million Australians affected by hearing loss, our research shows higher rates of anxiety, depression and isolation when people cannot access the right support,” said Rae Walker, Board Chair of Deafness Forum Australia.
“But there is hope—trauma-informed, culturally appropriate care can transform lives, helping people remain active, confident and included. That is why Deafness Forum is proud to partner with Macro Impact Consulting – a Deaf-led social impact business – to host a free webinar and have this essential conversation on Mental Health, Deafness and Hearing Loss,” Ms Walker added.
Sigrid Macdonald and Dr Louise Munro, Founders at Macro Impact Consulting, said, “It’s not the audiogram results that harm mental health—it’s the systemic stress of continuous communication barriers, which cause isolation, disconnection, and exhaustion. These impacts are often an invisible weight on mental health and wellbeing.”
Key Findings from Deafness Forum’s Research:
- 53% of people with hearing loss reported stress when accessing health services
- 42% reported anxiety linked to communication challenges
- Respondents called for greater training for health professionals, more flexible and personalised support, and services that respect cultural and communication diversity
The webinar will unpack the often overlooked link between mental health and hearing loss, explore strategies for support, and highlight practical ways to improve access to mental health care for people who are deaf, Deaf, hard of hearing, or who experience hearing loss.
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Event Details
What: Webinar – ‘Mental Health, Deafness, and Hearing Loss’
When: Wednesday 15 October 2025, 12pm–1pm AEDT
Where: Online (Free registration)
Who: Hosted by Deafness Forum Australia in collaboration with Macro Impact Consulting
Register here.
Deafness Forum Australia’s Research, ‘Exploring Help-Seeking Experiences in the Health System Among People with Hearing Loss and Mental Health Conditions.’
Media Contact
Jane Lee
National Director, Hearing Health
Deafness Forum Australia
jane.lee@deafnessforum.org.au
About Deafness Forum Australia
Deafness Forum Australia is the national independent body representing Australians with hearing loss. We strive to make hearing health a national priority, advocating for access, inclusion, and support so Australians can live well in their communities.
About Macro Impact Consulting
Macro Impact Consulting is a Deaf-led social impact business providing education, training, research, and resources to build understanding of the lived experience and systemic impacts of Deafness and hearing loss.