1 in 10 Australians suffer some form of hearing loss. Hearing loss occurs in 49% of people aged 75 and over and therefore, there are a high number of patients who are admitted to St Vincent’s who have a hearing loss.

The Deaf and Hard of Hearing program was established to provide access to technology, support and education for patients who are deaf or hard of hearing.

The ability to hear and understand medical information is essential for patients to play an active role in their care. Hearing impairment or deafness should not be a limiting factor.

With provision of assistive equipment such as the personal hearing amplifier and easy access to Auslan interpreters, our hearing impaired patients have improved communication access to support them to play an active role in their healthcare whilst in hospital.

This week is Speech Pathology Week. Approximately 1.1 million Australians, around 5% of the Australian population, have a communication disorder. Speech Pathologists play an important role in supporting people with communication difficulties to communicate and to participate more fully in life.