Preventive health action is the key to achieving a healthier Australia by 2030. Australians in good health are better able to lead fulfilling and productive lives.
Avoidable hearing loss and a reluctance to seek professional help when hearing is fading represent an enormous social and economic cost to Australia.
Preventing hearing loss is one of Deafness Forum Australia’s key goals. We know that prevention is the foundation of good health. So, our second goal is prevention because it is the most effective way to reduce hearing loss and tinnitus. Exposure to noise, whether prolonged or of short duration, is a major cause of approximately one-third of adult-onset hearing loss. Hearing loss can also result from a range of preventable diseases, injury, solvents, and certain medications. Almost half the incidence of induced hearing loss can be avoided and prevented.
You can also read Australia’s National Preventive Health Strategy 2021-2030 – it provides a high-level guide to preventive health actions.