Macquarie University Hearing and Meals on Wheels NSW have joined forces to improve the hearing health of Meals on Wheels clients by including hearing checks into routine Well-being Checks completed by Meals on Wheels volunteers as part of an innovative pilot.

Meals on Wheels, toghether with Macquarie University Hearing, is currently undertaking focus groups with clients and volunteers to gain an understanding of the best way to roll out a hearing program which aims to train Meals on Wheels Volunteers to undertake basic app based hearing tests with clients wishing to have their hearing tested in the comfort of their home.

The outcome of this test is, if needed, volunteers will suggest that the clients may wish to visit an audiologist or qualified hearing centre to have their hearing tested by a professional.

Did you know 75% of Australians aged 65 plus experience hearing loss, rising to 90% for those aged 80 plus? Untreated hearing loss contributes to loneliness, depression, frailty, falls, and cognitive decline among seniors.

Early detection and appropriate interventions can mitigate these adverse effects. Integrating routine hearing checks and education on hearing loss into Meals on Wheels services offers comprehensive support for older adults. 

Meals on Wheels do not just drop a meal at your door, we strive to deliver much more than that, a friendly chat, a wellbeing check and piece of mind for families knowing that their loved ones are receiving the nutrition they need to live well at home.