Hearing health is part
of overall wellbeing.
Hearing influences communication, participation, confidence and everyday connection. Explore how hearing health can interact with broader wellbeing, medication, jaw and facial conditions, and other aspects of health.
Hearing & Wellbeing
Hearing Connects With More Than Sound
Hearing is closely linked with how we communicate, learn, work and stay socially connected. Changes in hearing can affect everyday participation, while some wider health conditions, medications and physical changes around the ear and jaw may also influence hearing or ear-related symptoms.
Communication & Connection
Explore how hearing relates to communication, health and everyday wellbeing. For persistent or concerning symptoms, seek advice from an appropriate healthcare professional.
Health & Hearing
Explore how hearing relates to communication, health and everyday wellbeing. For persistent or concerning symptoms, seek advice from an appropriate healthcare professional.
Whole-Person Support
Explore how hearing relates to communication, health and everyday wellbeing. For persistent or concerning symptoms, seek advice from an appropriate healthcare professional.
Hearing and Everyday Wellbeing
Hearing can influence daily life in many ways.
When hearing becomes more difficult, people may need to work harder to follow conversation, especially in noisy or complex environments. This can affect participation, confidence and social interaction. The experience is different for every person, and hearing difficulties should be considered alongside the wider health picture rather than in isolation.
Some hearing concerns may relate to
wider health factors
When Hearing and Health Overlap
The right next step depends on the symptom and its cause.
Notice the Change
Pay attention to changes in hearing, tinnitus, balance, ear discomfort or communication that are new, persistent or affecting daily life.
Consider the Context
Recent illness, medication, noise exposure, jaw symptoms, injury and other health factors may provide useful context for assessment.
Seek Appropriate Assessment
A hearing-care professional, GP, ENT specialist or another appropriate clinician may be involved depending on the symptoms and medical history.
Follow the Care Plan
Management may involve monitoring, hearing support, medical treatment, rehabilitation or referral to another healthcare professional.
Notice
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Context
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Assessment
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Referral
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Support
Key Areas to Understand
Hearing & Cognitive Health
Research has found associations between hearing loss and cognitive decline, but this does not mean hearing loss directly causes dementia. Hearing care should form part of a broader approach to healthy ageing and communication.
Medicines & Ototoxicity
Some medicines can affect hearing or balance. If you are concerned about a medication, speak with the clinician who prescribed it. Do not stop prescribed medication without medical advice.
Jaw & Ear Symptoms
Temporomandibular joint problems can sometimes be associated with ear-area discomfort, pressure or tinnitus. These symptoms may have several causes and should be assessed appropriately.
Facial or Head Trauma
Injury around the head or face can sometimes affect hearing or balance. New hearing changes after trauma should be assessed by an appropriate healthcare professional.
Concerned about your child’s hearing?
If something about your child’s listening, speech or response to sound concerns you, an age-appropriate hearing assessment can help provide clarity.