THE STATE OF HEARING HEALTH IN AUSTRALIA: TIME FOR CHANGE

Audiologists for AHPRA by 2026

When we commemorated World Hearing Day last month and reflected on the theme of 'Changing Mindsets’, it's evident that the Australian hearing health sector stands at a pivotal juncture. David Brady, Chairperson of Deafness Forum Australia, aptly encapsulates the moment's urgency: "It’s about ensuring quality, education, and most importantly, safety." Indeed, it's time for a transformation in audiology that prioritises regulation, education, and patient well-being.

In recent years, alarming incidents have shaken public confidence in the provision of quality hearing care in Australia. Reports of catastrophic failures in hospital audiology departments, where children received cochlear implants programmed incorrectly, highlighted systemic deficiencies in our current self-regulatory system. These lapses not only result in immediate harm but also perpetuate lasting disadvantages for individuals and families, impacting their lifelong speech and language development. The need for external regulation of audiology as a specialist allied health profession has never been more pressing. Continue Reading...