One in three Australians say their partner’s hearing loss makes communication difficult

Key points:

• Many older Australians celebrate Valentine’s Day on February 14, but some may not realise the impact of hearing loss on their partner or loved ones
• One in three Australians reported a partner’s hearing loss negatively affecting their relationship as per recent Hearing Australia data
• Government-funded services, such as the Hearing Services Program, can help eligible older Australians access hearing services and improve their ability to communicate and voice possible concerns about their aged care services

As Valentine’s Day nears closer, many older Australians may celebrate their relationships, without knowing how poor hearing could negatively impact their loved ones.

Recent Hearing Australia data shows one in three people found communicating with their partner more difficult when they have poor hearing, while one in eight said their partner’s hearing loss led to arguments. 

Adults with hearing loss may ask someone to repeat themselves, feel tired after noisy social interactions, attend fewer social events and be unable to hear someone when talking on the phone according to information from Ear Science Institute Australia.

Principal Audiologist with Hearing Australia Karen Hirschausen commented on the impact of hearing loss on relationships with others and how it can lead to withdrawal from social gatherings. 

“Communication is key to a healthy relationship, but if one partner can’t hear well and misunderstands what is being said, it will cause a breakdown in communication,” she said.

“[…] A person’s hearing loss can impact day-to-day communication with family and friends and result in their partner feeling frustration, resentment, embarrassment and distress.

“Often, both those with hearing loss and their partners withdraw from social settings and events because communication becomes difficult. It can also lead to people distancing themselves from their partners.”

Approximately 3.6 million Australians have some form of hearing loss and this number is expected to increase to an estimated 7.8 million people by 2060 in Australia. Read the Aged Care Guide to learn more about protecting your hearing and managing hearing loss.

Hearing Australia Managing Director Kim Terrell expressed the value he places on his hearing aids, encouraging Australians to do something about their own hearing concerns.

“Hearing loss can be devastating and it’s not something you and your partner just ‘have to live with.’ If you have a hearing loss, you need to act,” Mr Terrell said.

“There are many simple and affordable options and hearing aid technology has evolved massively in recent years. My hearing aids have made a huge difference to me and getting help can be life-changing.”

Some older Australians may be concerned about the cost of getting a hearing assessment, however, government-funded options are available.

The Hearing Services Program assists Australians through two pathways, depending on the person’s age, however, the overall goals of the program are to help eligible Australians access hearing services and devices as well as improve their community engagement. 

Some older Australians may be eligible to access more than 300 hearing service providers through the voucher scheme, with services including:

• hearing assessments;
• hearing device fitting;
• follow-up appointments;
• maintenance of your hearing device;
• extra rehabilitation;
• specialist hearing services; and
• annual hearing reviews.

Through this hearing program, 489,534 clients received hearing services from July to December 2024 across Australia, according to the latest data from the Department of Health and Aged Care. Check your eligibility for the Hearing Services Program using the online eligibility quiz.

One Hearing Australia client, 73-year-old Daryl from New South Wales, explained how his life has improved since receiving his hearing aids, including his relationship with his wife, Christine.

“There were signs I was struggling to hear, like not always hearing my wife, especially when she was speaking to me from another room, which she found frustrating,” Daryl said.

“Since getting hearing aids, I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my hearing in all aspects of my life and Christine has noticed a difference too. I work in hospitality which can get quite noisy at times. I also play bowls and enjoy going out. 

“I’m able to adjust my hearing aids based on the environment I’m in. I wear my hearing aids every day — they’ve just become part of me now.”

Before Daryl started using his hearing aids, his wife, Christine found it frustrating to communicate with him at times. [Source: Hearing Australia; supplied]

Being able to hear and communicate with others can also improve well-being, for example, if you need to raise concerns about your aged care home or services. If you are concerned about your care or service, you can contact the Older Persons Advocacy Network for free and confidential support as an older Australian, family member or carer. Call the Aged Care Advocacy Line on 1800 700 600 or visit the OPAN website. 

However, Ms Hirschausen also emphasised how the person with hearing loss may not be the first to realise something is wrong, citing the importance of family members raising the issue. 

“Families, particularly partners, often play a critical role in making people aware of their hearing loss and urging them to have a hearing assessment. Partners are frequently the first to make the person experiencing hearing loss aware of the issue,” she said.

Hearing Australia offers free 15-minute hearing checks for adults across Australia at their ‘hearing events.’ Visit the Hearing Australia website to find an event near you or take their online hearing test.

However, if you can’t find a suitable event, other options to get your hearing checked are available. For example, one Australian hearing assessment app is making waves on a global scale while also helping improve health outcomes for older Australians in rural areas. 

The Sound Scouts app — which has previously been used by children — is being trialled in aged care settings, with positive results as a low-cost, accessible option to conduct hearing assessments.

Do you think hearing aids could improve your relationships with others?

Let the team at Talking Aged Care know on social media. 

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Article originally published on 12/02/2025