March: World Hearing Day in Australia
Did you know there are 4 million Australians living with hearing loss?
And this figure is predicted to increase to almost 9 million by 2050 as the population ages.
World Hearing Day in Australia is held on 3 March each year to raise awareness of how to prevent deafness and hearing loss, and to promote better ear protection and health throughout the world.
Deafness Forum Australia Events
- This World Hearing Day we launched Deafness Forum Australia’s statement on citizen and community involvement in health, disability and medical research
Our landmark statement – ‘No research about us, without us’ – explains the significance of citizen involvement, details its benefits to the research process, explores various levels and types of involvement, and addresses implementation challenges. Its purpose is to enhance our understanding and application of ethical, inclusive research practices, ensuring that our approach remains relevant and effective in engaging citizens in the research process.
‘No research about us, without us’ is a public document gifted to organisations and researchers worldwide to promote citizen participation in research. Read ‘No research about us, without us’
- Address commemorates World Hearing Day and International Women’s Day
The 26th Libby Harricks Memorial Address commemorated World Hearing Day and International Women’s Day in 2025.
Hosted by Deafness Forum Australia and The Shepherd Centre, the event at Tasmania’s State Parliament featured a distinguished audience and was officially opened by Premier Jeremy Rockliff.
Keynote speaker the Honourable Jacquie Petrusma, Minister for Health, Aboriginal Affairs, and Veterans Affairs in the Tasmanian Government, is an influential advocate for accessibility and healthcare equality. She spoke passionately about her experience living with hearing loss and a Cochlear implant, highlighting the challenges many face in the hearing health community.
Read more about this important event.
Changing mindsets: Empower yourself to make ear and hearing care a reality for all!
By encouraging individuals to recognise the importance of ear and hearing health, this campaign aims to inspire them to change behaviour to protect their hearing from loud sounds and prevent hearing loss, check their hearing regularly, use hearing devices if needed, and support those living with hearing loss. Empowered individuals can drive change within themselves and in society at large.
- By 2030, over 500 million people are expected to have disabling hearing loss requiring rehabilitation.
- Over one billion young people face the risk of permanent hearing loss due to prolonged exposure to loud sounds during recreational pastimes such as listening to music and video game play.
- How we hear in the future depends on how we care for our ears today as many cases of hearing loss can be avoided through the adoption of safe listening and good hearing care practices. For those living with hearing loss, early identification and access to timely rehabilitation are essential to achieving their highest potential.
- You can take steps today to ensure good hearing health throughout life.
Access more information on the World Hearing Day website.