World Hearing Day on March 3 raises awareness of deafness and hearing loss

And yet only a third of older people who need hearing aids have them, according to the national peak body for deaf and hearing impaired, the Deafness Forum of Australia.

World Hearing Day on March 3 each year raises awareness on how to prevent deafness and hearing loss, and to promote ear and hearing care across the world.

The Deafness Forum of Australia will be marking the day, which has the theme Let's make it a reality this year.

As many as 85 per cent of aged care residents are typically hearing impaired, but research shows many older people who would benefit from hearing aids typically wait anywhere from six to 10 years before seeking help.

Hearing impairment can lead to serious consequences including frustration, embarrassment and social withdrawal as people try to hide their hearing loss due to the perceived stigma attached to it.

If you are concerned you may be losing your hearing, it's important to tackle the problem early.

A mild to moderate hearing loss can interfere with easy conversation, especially when there is lots of background noise.

It's better to start wearing hearing aids sooner rather than later.

Getting used to amplified sound is harder if you've already become used to a quieter world.

Delaying diagnosis can also affect relationships with family and friends. Partners of people with hearing loss often complain of loneliness, missing out on companionship and a poor social life.

There is a huge amount of help available, including digital hearing aids, which are now much smaller and easier to control.

There are also gadgets to make your life easier, including extra-loud landlines and mobile phones, amplifiers and flashing doorbells, and even vibrating alarm clocks and watches.

If a person is reluctant to get hearing aids they may be encouraged to use an "assistive listening device" to watch TV, listen to the radio or music and to use a suitable phone to keep in touch with family and friends.

If you're worried about hearing loss, contact your GP, an audiologist or hearing clinic.

In Australia, hearing loss costs the economy $15 billion a year in health system costs and lost productivity.

Did you know that 500,000 hearing aids are bought every year in Australia, while 10,000 people whose first language is Auslan cannot be left behind and deserve better access to education, jobs and community life?

Hearing loss is more common than heart disease, cancer and diabetes.

Four million Australians live with hearing loss and this figure is predicted to increase to almost nine million by 2050 as the population ages.

The World Health Organisation will use this year's theme of Let's make it a reality to inform people about the importance of ear and hearing care and encourage them to seek services.