Today the Hon Bill Shorten MP, Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme and Minister for Government Services, officially opened the Hearing Australia centre in Belconnen, ACT.
Minister Shorten met with staff and clients and saw first-hand the services and latest devices Hearing Australia provides its clients.
“Across the ACT, Hearing Australia supports close to 5,000 children and adults with hearing loss, including many who receive government funded services,” Minister Shorten said.
“The advancements in hearing aid technology in recent years have been incredible. Hearing loss can affect people in different ways, and I’m impressed by the capabilities and range of solutions available and the team’s commitment to helping people find the right solution to suit their needs and lifestyle.”
The Belconnen centre is Hearing Australia’s third permanent centre in Canberra. The team also offers home visiting services and provides regular hearing care to local communities in Cooma and Yass.
As Australia’s population ages, the number of people with a hearing loss is expected to double to an estimated 7.8 million people in 2060.1 When it comes to regular health checks, hearing health can be something that people don’t always think about. However, it’s critical that Australians take steps to protect their hearing and get their hearing checked.
“A hearing check is easy and painless,” Minister Shorten said. “A quick hearing check and discussion takes 15 minutes and a full assessment takes about an hour. I encourage all Australians to make hearing checks part of their regular health checks.”
Hearing Australia Managing Director, Kim Terrell, says the organisation helped over 280,000 children and adults across Australia last year and is committed to making it easier for people to get hearing help, when and where they need it.
“We’re proud to work with government and our many partners to deliver world-class hearing services and solutions that transform the lives of people with hearing loss.
“Our team is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of our clients, from those we serve in Belconnen and across the ACT, to children and adults in the most remote communities across the country. With the ongoing support of our partners, we can continue to improve hearing health outcomes for individuals and communities and deliver world leading research.”
