Empowering the 5.46 million Australians
who are hard of hearing.
As the national voice for hearing health, we advocate for systemic change, provide vital education, and ensure every Australian has the right to accessible communication and live inclusively.
Impact Data
Australians currently live with some form of hearing loss or ear disorder. By 2050, this is projected to be 1 in 4.
Our National Mandate
Leading the Agenda for a Hearing-Inclusive Australia
Deafness Forum Australia is the only national peak body that encompasses the entire spectrum of the hearing sector. From the Deaf community who use Auslan as their primary language, to adults who have lost hearing in later life, those living with chronic tinnitus, and families navigating early intervention; we are the unified voice talking to decision-makers in government.
For more than 30 years, we have worked tirelessly at the intersection of healthcare, disability rights, and social policy. Our work is not just about hearing; it is about the human right to participate fully in society. Hearing loss is one of the most significant yet invisible health challenges facing Australia today, with socio-economic costs exceeding $20 billion annually in lost productivity and healthcare expenditures.
Policy Advocacy
We represent our members on federal taskforces, ensuring the NDIS and Hearing Services Program deliver equitable outcomes for all Australians, regardless of their location or background.
Global Integration
As a key member of the World Hearing Forum, we translate international best practices from the WHO into practical Australian outcomes, such as the National Roadmap for Hearing Health.
Our influence extends beyond the legislative halls. We are a community of practice, a repository of lived experience, and a catalyst for research. We partner with leading universities and research institutions like the National Acoustic Laboratories (NAL) to ensure our advocacy is grounded in hard data and the latest clinical evidence.
Quick Facts
How we can help you today
Whether you are an individual living with hearing loss, a family member seeking guidance, or a healthcare professional, we have tailored resources and support networks for you.
Consumer Support
Navigating the Australian hearing health system can be complex. We represent our consumers and member groups and advocate on their behalf.
Hearing Services Program- NDIS Navigation
- State Support Schemes
Lobbying & Advocacy
We are your voice in the policy making process. Join our advocacy campaigns and help us lobby for better and more accessible communication.
- Current Campaigns
- Position Papers
- Contact your MP
Lived Experience
The power of storytelling drives our mission. Connect with others who share your journey, participate in community forums, and help us inform research.
- Personal Stories
- Community Forums
- Mentorship Program
A Multi-Generational Commitment to Accessibility
The journey toward a hearing-inclusive society is not a sprint; it is a marathon of persistence and evidence-based persuasion. Deafness Forum Australia was founded on the principle that the user of the service should be the one defining the service. This philosophy of “nothing about us, without us” remains our guiding light.
In the coming decade, we are focusing on four critical “Strategic Levers” that will redefine hearing health in Australia. Firstly, Prevention. We know that up to 50% of hearing loss cases are entirely preventable with the right public education and noise-safety legislation. We are working with the WHO to bring the “Make Listening Safe” campaign to every Australian school and workplace.
Secondly, Technology Access. While Australia has some of the best audiologists in the world, the cost of top-tier hearing aids and assistive devices remains a significant barrier for many. We are advocating for a total overhaul of the subsidy system to reflect modern technology standards.
Thirdly, we are tackling Social Isolation. Research increasingly shows the profound link between untreated hearing loss and cognitive decline, depression, and social withdrawal. By treating hearing loss early, we can improve the mental health outcomes for millions of aging Australians.
Finally, we are strengthening the National Voice. By bringing together disparate groups, from state-based associations to specialised research centres, we create a formidable coalition that cannot be ignored. Every member who joins Deafness Forum Australia adds volume to this voice.
“We don’t just speak for the community; we empower the community to speak for themselves.”
Our Network & Partners
Together, we can make Australia the most hearing-inclusive nation in the world.
Your support directly funds our national advocacy office, allowing us to remain independent and fierce in our representation of your rights.
