About Us

Hearing Matters Australia (HMA) is dedicated to helping Australians with hearing loss whose primary method of communication is through speech. We provide information and support to people with hearing loss and their families, and we advocate on their behalf to all levels of government and the corporate sector. We are a voluntary, self-funded, not-for-profit organisation incorporated in New South Wales.

We were founded in 1983 by a person with hearing loss named Mary Sparke. She felt strongly that people with hearing impairment needed more help than lip reading and hearing aids.

In the years since, we have provided support based on lived experience to consumers who contact us about hearing loss and its management. This has taken the form of unbiased advice, education and information, and help with oral communication techniques. We have also worked to advocate for greater public awareness and improved services for people with hearing loss. In this context, Hearing Matters Australia is part of a world-wide initiative to promote person-centred care in hearing loss management.

Our Mission

To provide unbiased advice and support based on lived experience to help people with hearing loss achieve better hearing management and an improved quality of life.

Our Objectives

Hearing loss can lead to increasing isolation and difficulties in family, social and workplace environments. With guidance, people can help themselves to better manage the impact of their condition.

Hearing Matters Australia, as a self-help organisation seeks:

1. To inform people with hearing loss, their families, friends and the community at large, on the nature and impacts of hearing loss and ways of coping with it.

2. To provide referral services for the assistance of and guidance of people with hearing difficulties.

3. To publish and distribute a regular journal and other information materials to assist those with an interest in hearing loss and to raise public awareness of hearing loss.

4. To encourage and support groups of people with hearing loss, their relatives and friends to come together in fellowship, empathy, and concern based on common experience.

5. To represent the interests of people on matters pertaining to hearing loss and hearing healthcare.

6. To encourage scientific research into hearing loss and associated technology.

7. To promote the welfare of people with hearing loss and collaborate where appropriate with other organisations who work in their interests.