Ear Science Australia partner with Uniting WA

It was an exciting moment when Uniting WA client Paul Hayes tried on his new hearing aids for the first time. Slightly unsure and definitely surprised at a new world of sound, the 75-year-old ex-paramedic said, “Everything is really loud.”

Paul is a client at Uniting WA’s transitional housing, which offers temporary support and accommodation to people experiencing homelessness. Thanks to a new partnership with Ear Science Institute Australia, Uniting WA clients were recently offered free hearing screenings and assistance with getting hearing aids.

Paul’s hearing had declined with age; the blaring sirens of ambulances and the construction noise when he worked in the building industry hadn’t helped. Another factor had been sleeping rough on the street, where Paul spent 10 months while experiencing homelessness. Services referred him to Uniting WA’s transitional accommodation, where he has been living for several months and receiving support to get back on his feet.

Part of that support has included ear screening services provided by Ear Science Institute Australia, which has partnered with Uniting to ensure vulnerable clients have access to hearing screening and hearing aids.

Audiologist Jordan Bishop, who did Paul’s initial screening, was delighted to do hearing screenings at Uniting WA accommodation. “Often, it’s so much more convenient and less threatening for people if you provide services that come to them. There can be embarrassment about hearing loss, and yet it’s so important for quality of life, as it can lead to social isolation when you can’t hear in a crowd.”

Loss of hearing is associated with cognitive decline and increased isolation as people withdraw when they can’t understand conversations and what is happening around them.

Jordan helped several clients through the Commonwealth Hearing Services Program (HSP), and when Uniting clients were eligible, Ear Science assisted with the provision of hearing services and aids.

Jordan believes the most important thing was spreading awareness about hearing screenings and rehabilitating hearing loss. Uniting WA and Ear Science Institute will work together to improve this awareness and build referral pathways for Uniting WA clients to get services.

With World Hearing Day on March 3, thank you, Ear Science Institute Australia, for partnering with Uniting WA. We’re all ears about new and improved ways we can work together to make sure our clients’ hearing needs are soundly attended to!