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Deafness Forum Australia has launched a new hearing health module for young people in agricultural communities, built to turn awareness into practical habits that stick.
On World Hearing Day 2026, Deafness Forum Australia is proud to mark this year’s global theme, “From Community to Classrooms: Hearing Care for All Children,” with the launch of a new hearing health initiative designed specifically for young people in agricultural communities.
In partnership with the National Centre for Farmer Health, we have introduced a dedicated hearing health module into the Shifting Gears farm safety education program.
For many young people living, studying or working on farms, exposure to loud noise begins early. Tractors, chainsaws, shearing sheds,
livestock and working dogs can all create hazardous noise levels. Hearing damage is not limited to later life. It can start in childhood
or adolescence, and often progresses gradually.
The program is teacher-led and aligned with the health education curriculum, making it easy for schools to integrate hearing health into classroom learning. By embedding this knowledge early, we are supporting young people to protect not only their hearing, but their long-term physical, mental and social wellbeing.
As Deafness Forum Australia CEO Rhonda Locke explains, hearing health plays a crucial role in overall wellbeing, and small steps taken today can positively impact the rest of a young person’s life.
On World Hearing Day, we also launched a short video highlighting why this work matters and how the Shifting Gears program is helping turn awareness into action.
You can learn more about the Shifting Gears program and access the free resources here:
On 25 February, to coincide with International Cochlear Implant Day, Deafness Forum Australia launched a public petition calling on the Federal Government to expand hearing services and fund sound processor upgrades for Australians aged over 65.
At the time of writing, more than 750 Australians have already signed the petition, thanks in large part to people like Michael who have generously shared their stories to encourage others to take action.
Together, we can ensure hearing care moves from community conversations into classrooms, where prevention and lifelong habits begin.
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