Audiology South Digging Deep for Loud Shirt Day According to the National Foundation for the Deaf Inc (NFD), it is predicted that by 2050 one in four New Zealanders will have a hearing loss. Up from one in six, half of these cases are easily prevented or treated. A smaller group of those diagnosed have a severe or profound degree of hearing loss as opposed to those with a milder form of hearing impairment. For these people, hearing loss has a significant impact on their life, making each 1. Speech Processor day more of a challenge. They find socialising with others more difficult, as well as holding down higher paid, more challenging type jobs. mplants allow patients to have a 'near normal' This can leave them feeling socially isolated hearing life again. and create a greater degree of mental fatigue, With over 140 adults in the Southern region tiredness and in some cases, depression. 2. Transmitter Coil of New Zealand (from Taupo south) currently awaiting the surgery, the issue is funding "There is only enough funding for 20 implant procedures to be performed each year, says Simon. . Hearing loss is highly prevalent in the Southland region due to its aging population and the industries nurtured here, such farming, agriculture, building and construction and general industry. The resulting hearing loss creates a huge loss to society,including t loss of earnings and general costs associated within the country's healthcare system. "With this situation, some will never receive the devices they need to hear before they die." Loud Shirt Day raises awareness among decision-makers and the general public in addition to recognising that hearing loss limits Senior Audiologist and Managing Director of Audiology South, Simon Melville encourages all New Zealanders to protect their hearing, from birth through to old age the ability for sufferers to communicate and interact within their community Simon and his team will be dressing up this Friday to celebrate Loud Shirt Day. They ncourage the public to give those with Early identification of a hearing loss is critical, along with regular monitoring," he says. severe deafness the opportunity to learn to listen and talk like their hearing friends by making a donation. orking to ensure the dire hearing loss forecast doesn't come true, Simon and his If you have hearing loss or suspect someone close to you might, pop into Audiology South across Southland and Queenstown and book yourself in for a free hearing test. At the same time, be sure to dig into your pocket for Loud hirt Day and support the Cochlear Implant Programme of New Zealand. team support Loud Shirt Day, an annual day that helps raise both funds and awareness for Cochlear Implantation in New Zealand A life-changing procedure for people with severe, profound hearing loss, cochlear Call o3 214 1378 or o80o 547 836 Invercargl: 80 Victoria Avenue Queenstown: Terrace Junction, 1088-1092 Frankton Rd 927 4680 Winton: 235 Great North Road, 28o 5549 Clinics in Dunedin, Gore & Te Anau AUDIOLOGY SOUTH Hearing Health Professionals