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A Galaxy Research survey of 300 Australian hearing customers, who were aged 35 years and over, found that 80 per cent of people with hearing loss had difficulty connecting with family and friends.

However of those surveyed, the people who wore a hearing aid all the time reported a large improvement in their social life.

The results highlight the link between better hearing and better relationships, according to Ms Cohen.

“I think that when the hearing goes you miss the communication,” she said.

Mr Cohen, who has worn a hearing aid for the past 15 years, was recently fitted for his second hearing device.

“It hasn’t been a particularly easy journey for him,” Ms Cohen said.

“I found that when we had people to dinner Harry wouldn’t catch the conversation. Or in a club situation, after bowls, Harry would pick up on something wrong in a conversation.”

However, hardest of all was the lack of conversation between husband and wife.

“I still have to repeat myself,” she said. “But it is much better these days.”

The survey found that hearing aids improved the love life of 11 per cent of those surveyed.

Australian Hearing Nowra area manager Sandra Miles said the new research had confirmed the link between better hearing and happiness in love and life.

“This survey shows that better hearing leads to better relationships with family, friends and loved ones,” she said.

“The simple step of checking your hearing or using a hearing aid can make a big difference in enjoying life rather than feeling alone or isolated.”

Ms Miles said that many Australians were realising the benefits of today’s technology.

Batemans Bay Quota Club will support Hearing Awareness Week, which is a national event coordinated by the Deafness Forum of Australia.

For more information, see page 20 of the Bay Post/Moruya Examiner