Founded in 1932, Hearing New Zealand is a fully voluntary organisation that has been working hard with the help of our members and volunteers to improve the lives of our people with hearing impairment through supporting the individual, advocacy, education, and research. 100% of our donations go to supporting the work we do.

And there is lots of it. Hearing loss is the least accessible of all the disabilities according to the Ministry of Health. It is also the most misunderstood condition. Some of the more common myths include:

 

MYTH: Old people have hearing loss.

In our ageist society, this untruth increases stigma around hearing loss. Aging doesn’t cause hearing loss – living does. Noise, pollution, medications (yes that included most medications people take when they get “old”), viruses, allergies, and poor dental health care are some of the biggest contributors to hearing loss.

 

MYTH: Listening to music is a leading cause of hearing loss.

Dangerously high levels of noise is the leading cause of hearing loss. These levels occur in workplaces, schools, cafes, pubs, and sometimes even walking down the street! Music brings joy, happiness and health. It is used in treatment of tinnitus and stress reduction. Music can also be annoying. If you do not like the music, it is TOO loud and this is often confused as dangerously loud.

Annoyance noise elevates stress levels, which can also cause health issues. How do you know if a level is annoying or dangerous? There’s an app for that! Sound level apps on smartphones are free and reasonably accurate. If you use an Apple device, we recommend the NIOSH app.

 

Hearing loss affects every aspect of life.

Communication Challenges Stem from Hearing Loss.

At its core, hearing loss creates significant barriers to effective communication. Simple daily interactions like ordering at a restaurant, participating in a meeting, or having a conversation with a friend can become stressful and isolating for those with impaired hearing. People may struggle to discern speech especially in noisy environments, leading to frequent misunderstandings and the need for constant clarification. It’s also hard work and very tiring.

This breakdown in communication can have cascading effects in both professional and personal realms. In the workplace, hearing loss can hinder an individual’s ability to fully engage with colleagues, understanding instructions and participating in meetings – hampering their career advancement and overall job performance. On a personal level, hearing impairment can strain relationships, as loved ones become frustrated with the need to constantly repeat themselves or speak louder.

 

Collaboration Across Social Services Sectors.

Given the far-reaching impacts of hearing loss on communication and daily life, it is essential for Hearing NZ to collaborate with a wide range of social organisations.

Many individuals with hearing impairment also grapple with co-occurring challenges, such as mental health issues, addiction, or involvement with the justice system.

By partnering with mental health providers, addiction treatment centres, and criminal justice entities, Hearing NZ can ensure a more holistic, integrated approach to supporting this vulnerable population.

Shared training on accommodating hearing loss, joint case management, and coordinated referral systems can beak down silos and empower those with hearing impairment to access the comprehensive care they require.

Such cross-organisational collaboration is crucial, as hearing loss is often an “invisible” disability that can be overlooked or misunderstood by social service providers. By working together, Hearing NZ and its partner organisations can cultivate a greater awareness of hearing accessibility needs and develop innovative solutions to address the multifaceted challenges faced by the hearing impaired community.

 

The Accessibility Hurdles for the Hearing Impaired.

For those living with hearing loss, navigating the world can present a constant series of accessibility challenges. At root of these difficulties is the fundamental nature of hearing impairment – the nerves and mechanisms responsible for processing sound have been damaged, rendering the ears unable to effectively filter and interpret auditory information, especially in noisy environments.

This means that the “hearing equivalent of ramps for wheelchairs” – spaces designed with optimal acoustics – are essential for enabling meaningful communication and participation for the hearing impaired. Unfortunately, such acoustic-friendly environments are all too rare, leaving many individuals struggling to hear in settings like crowded restaurants, bustling workplaces, and large public venues.

The physics of sound propagation further compounds this issue, as sound intensity follows an inverse square law. This means that doubling the distance between a sound source and the listener results in a dramatic 75% reduction in the perceived volume. For those with hearing loss, this can mean the difference between clearly discerning a speaker’s words and being unable to hear them at all, expecting a person with hearing loss to hear in certain environments without proper accommodations would require them to defy the laws of physics!

Addressing these accessibility barriers is crucial for empowering the hearing impaired to fully engage with their communities and live independent, fulfilling lives. Through advocacy, education, and the implementation of universal design principles, we can work towards a more inclusive world where the unique needs of those with hearing loss are recognised and accommodated. Only then can we ensure that the hearing impaired are no longer confronted with insurmountable obstacles, but rather granted the same freedoms and opportunities afforded to those without such challenges.

 

How do you know you have a hearing loss?

 

There’s an app for that!

The World Health Organisation has developed an app to let you test your hearing from your smartphone. hearWHO is a free software application which can be used by individuals to check their hearing. The app has been developed by the World Health Organisation. It is currently available for iOS and Android devices in Chinese, English, and Spanish.

hearWHO is not a formal hearing test and does not replace the need to consult a health professional. Get the app from Apple App Store or from Google Play Store.

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Awareness.

Hearing loss is a hidden handicap. We want to make it visible. Wear a white pin in support and help us spread the word.

 

Why the white cat?

White cats often have hearing loss in about the same ration as people. Occasionally they are profoundly deaf – just like people. They don’t know that they do not hear everything and unless you actually test them, you don’t know they have hearing loss either – just like people. They have developed wonderful coping skills. They also know they are purrfect (sorry – couldn’t resist) just the way they are – just like people. To purchase a white cat pin or find out more information, or donate to us...

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