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Just because you have heard one bird sing, doesn’t mean you have heard them all. For the same reason, a hearing problem is never just a hearing problem, it may be a loss in the quality of life. If you have  of hearing problems, we recommend booking an appointment.


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Hearing problem prevalence


When people struggle to understand speech or hear certain sounds, we call it a hearing problem. Hearing problems are not uncommon in New Zealand, in fact, the prevalence of hearing loss was estimated to be 880, 350 people in 2016. This represents 18.9% of all people.1

Pervalence increase with age until almost all people have at least mild hearing loss in old age, 90+ years old1. As stated by Roland Eavery, hearing loss is so prevalent that it has become the norm2.

Helpful hearing information


1Deloitte Access Economics 2016, 'Social and economic costs of hearing loss in New Zealand', The National Foundation of the Deaf. 2Eavery, R. 'MTV Survey cranks up the volume on loud music's impact on hearing', Vanderbilt University Medical Centre 2019. 

Understanding hearing problems

What to look out for

Hearing is one of our most important senses, yet many people who are facing its decline deny the inevitable truth. The signs of hearing problems are usually vague and develop gradually. People have been known to wait a number of years° before seeking assistance to do something about their hearing problems. In that time, we tend to become used to "putting up with it".  

Common warning signs of hearing problems

  • You may find it hard to understand people in noisy environments like in a restaurant.

  • You find that you feel exhausted after a day of socialising.

  • Attending social events may result in frustration.

  • Asking people to repeat themselves or hearing words incorrectly.

  • Difficulty hearing soft or distant speech, needing to watch someone's lips closely to follow what is being said.

  • Turning up the volume on the television and radio.

  • Unable to hear sounds around you like phones ringing, doorbells and alarm signals.

oDeloitte Access Economics 2016, 'Social and economic costs of hearing loss in New Zealand', The National Foundation of the Deaf.

Degree of hearing problems

Hearing problems can occur at any time, however it is more prominent with increasing age. Hearing Problems may affect the understanding of speech due to changes in the ability to hear certain frequencies as well as the clarity of speech, as this may often sound muffled or unclear. 

The degree of hearing problems can be classified as either:

  • Mild

    Speech may not be as clear, soft speech may be difficult to hear in noisy environments and the volume may be turned up on the TV.

  • Moderate

    Speech may sound a bit unclear or soft sounds may be missed. The volume may be turned up on the TV or radio.

  • Severe

    You may ask people to constantly repeat themselves in a higher tone, may miss most soft and environmental sounds such as rain drops and birds chirping.

  • Profound

    May only be able to hear loud vibrations mostly from low frequency sounds and hearing may be difficult even with amplification.

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1HCIA, The social and economic cost of hearing loss in Australia. 2018, Access Economics

2Eavery, R. 'MTV Survey cranks up the volume on loud music's impact on hearing', Vanderbilt University Medical Centre 2019. 

3’Listen Hear! The economic impact and cost of hearing loss in Australia’ 2006, Access Economics