Book an appointment Book Find a clinic Online hearing test Online store
Book an appointment Book Find a clinic Online hearing test Online store
0800 700 851
Call Call 0800 700 851
Book an appointment

Hearing Awareness Month

Book an appointment Visit us at one of our clinics Take our online hearing test

What is Hearing Awareness Month?

March is Hearing Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about hearing health and its impact on overall well-being. The month kicks off with World Hearing Day on the 3rd of March, an initiative led by the World Health Organization (WHO) to promote ear and hearing care globally.
 

 

Throughout the month, we’re encouraging New Zealanders to learn about common hearing changes, reduce the stigma around hearing loss, and feel confident taking steps toward better hearing health. Awareness empowers people to stay connected to the moments that matter.

Hearing Loss Facts

This Hearing Awareness Month, get to know the facts about hearing loss:

  • Hearing loss affects an estimated 1,000,000 New Zealanders.1
  • Worldwide, nearly 1 in 4 people over 60 are affected by disabling hearing loss.2
  • Of those who could benefit from hearing aids, only 17% actually use them.2
  • Hearing loss can be a risk factor for developing dementia but studies show that treating hearing loss can help prevent or slow down age-related cognitive decline and dementia.3
  • Globally, more than 1 billion people aged 12-35 are at risk of noise-related hearing loss.2
  • It's estimated that by 2050, nearly 30% of the world population will have some degree of hearing loss, and at least 700 million people will require rehabilitation.4

Recognising hearing loss

Hearing loss often develops gradually, making it difficult to notice early on. Some common signs of hearing loss include:

  • Difficulty understanding speech, especially in noisy environments.
  • Feeling like others are mumbling or speaking too softly.
  • Frequently asking people to repeat themselves.
  • Turning up the volume on devices higher than others find comfortable.
  • Experiencing ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus).

If you or someone you know is experiencing these signs, it may be time to prioritise your hearing health and book a free hearing check.

When to seek help

Hearing loss affects 1 in 6 New Zealanders, yet many wait a long time to address it.1 Identifying changes early can improve outcomes and reduce the risk of long-term complications. If you or a loved one struggle to hear conversations, ask people to repeat themselves often, or notice other signs of hearing difficulty, it may be time to seek support. A caring, open conversation can encourage action toward better hearing health.

Couple cooking

We're here to help you to better hearing

If you are worried about your hearing, or that of a loved one, book an appointment with one of our specialists today to check your hearing health. At Bay Audiology, we are here to help determine which type of hearing loss you have, how it was caused, and what can be done to help.

Book a free hearing check Find your nearest clinic

Further reading

For more information about hearing health, explore our resources on:

Find more about Hearing Awareness Month at the National Foundation for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing, or head to the World Health Organisation (WHO) to learn about World Hearing Day on March 3rd.

Hearing awareness month 2024

Learn more

Signs of hearing loss

Learn more

Hearing explained

Learn more
Find your nearest clinic
Locate me

Source:

1Deloitte Access Economics. (2016). The economic impact and cost of hearing loss in New Zealand (p. 9). The National Foundation for the Deaf.

2World Health Organization. (2024, February 1). Deafness. World Health Organization. Retrieved January 31, 2025, from https://www.who.int/news-room/facts-in-pictures/detail/deafness

3Livingston, G., Huntley, J., Sommerlad, A., et al. (2020). Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2020 report of the Lancet Commission. The Lancet, 396(10248), 413–446. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(20)30367-6

4World Health Organization. (n.d.). Deafness and hearing loss. World Health Organization. Retrieved January 31, 2025, from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/deafness-and-hearing-loss

Get support and advice

Request an appointment

Book now

Take an online hearing check

Take the check

Find a clinic near you

Find a clinic