Expert calls for hearing tests for over 50s

An American hearing expert has recommended hearing tests become a part of health checkups for New Zealanders aged over 50 to cope with the "major public health issue" of hearing loss.

Addressing the annual New Zealand Audiological Society conference, UCLA audiology clinic and former American Academy of Audiology president Professor Alison Grimes said introducing the tests as part of standard health checkups was "crucial" to stopping hearing loss development as a costly public health issue.

People with hearing loss had a lower quality of life, decreased cognitive ability and suffered social isolation and depression, Prof Grimes said.

"There is significant evidence that seniors who are hearing impaired need more supportive care."

The New Zealand Audiological Society backed Prof Grimes' call for the hearing tests.

Society president Lesley Hindmarch said people could be encouraged and financially supported to have their hearing checked and have hearing loss treated.

"We have prevention and screening and testing programmes for other public health issues and we know that quality of life improves when they do something about their hearing loss."

- NZPA