Hearing Loss Often Ignored For Years — New International Report Calls For Routine Screening Over 50

On International Cochlear Implant Day (25 February), the Pindrop Foundation is backing a new international report calling for routine adult hearing screening for people over 50 to be introduced alongside other established public health screening programmes in New Zealand.

The report, Adult Hearing Screening: Why Wait?, released by the Cochlear Implant International Community of Action (CIICA), highlights growing global consensus that earlier identification of hearing loss leads to better health, social and economic outcomes.

In New Zealand, adult hearing loss remains common and under-recognised. On average, people live with hearing loss for around seven years before seeking help — often withdrawing from conversations, family life and work long before they access support.

Lee Schoushkoff, CEO of the Pindrop Foundation, says earlier identification would be a practical, preventative step.

“We routinely screen for cancers and other age-related conditions because early detection improves outcomes. Hearing loss should be treated no differently.

"Too many New Zealanders wait years before seeking help, by which time relationships, confidence and wellbeing may already have been affected. Routine screening for over-50s would normalise hearing checks and remove the stigma that still surrounds adult hearing loss.”

The international report reviews current evidence, global guidelines and emerging policy shifts, making a clear case for integrating adult hearing screening into public health systems.

Advances in hearing technology — including cochlear implants for adults with severe hearing loss — mean effective interventions are available. The challenge is identifying people earlier and connecting them with appropriate support.

For many families, the impact of untreated hearing loss is felt at home first.

Annette Barker, a cochlear implant recipient, says earlier support would have made a significant difference.

“I didn’t realise how much I was missing until I started hearing properly again. I thought people were mumbling. I avoided busy family gatherings because it was exhausting trying to keep up.

"Getting support changed that. I’m back in the middle of conversations, not on the edge of them.”

The Pindrop Foundation is urging policymakers to consider adult hearing screening as part of New Zealand’s broader healthy ageing strategy.

“Hearing matters at every stage of life. If we identify hearing loss earlier, we keep people connected, confident and engaged in their families and communities,” says Schoushkoff.

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