A new partnership between Hearing Australia and a leading national research body is set to improve the hearing health of Australians living with hearing loss.
The National Acoustic Laboratories (NAL), the research division of Hearing Australia, is set to collaborate with WS Audiology to conduct hearing research.
Managing Director of Hearing Australia, Kim Terrell said it has been estimated that people spend around nine years on average before seeking help for hearing difficulties.
By conducting research with WS Audiology, NAL hopes to gain insights into the barriers that exist for people with hearing loss and what information and help they need to take action earlier, he said.
“With this knowledge, we can understand how to make it easier for people to access hearing care and services and develop hearing solutions that best meet their needs. Giving more people the opportunity to experience the joy of sound and stay connected to their loved ones and communities,” said Mr Terrell.
He said hearing healthcare continues to evolve with advancements in technology leading to many new hearing device innovations, with NAL leading research into the benefits that these new technologies bring to people with hearing loss.
Director of NAL, Dr Brent Edwards said people were faced with more choices than ever when seeking to improve their hearing health.
Through this research collaboration, NAL will work closely with WS Audiology to investigate the knowledge and attitudes that Australians have about hearing solutions and factors that impact their decisions to use a hearing device, he said.
“NAL has been conducting research into direct-to-consumer and self-fitting hearing aids, which is something that is already having an impact internationally. Doing research with WS Audiology will help us to expand our work in this area and continue to investigate associated outcomes of over the counter hearing devices compared to traditional hearing aids that are fitted by an audiologist,” said Dr Edwards.
Managing Director of WS Audiology ANZ, James Benston said he was extremely excited to start the new joint research initiative.
“Both parties are passionate about bringing wonderful sound to as many Australians as possible. These research projects help us understand how to achieve this at a greater level than we do today,” Mr Benston said.
