Better Hearing Australia Brisbane

13/01/2026

WE WANT YOUR INPUT - INCLUSIVE EDUCATION

Do you know a public school or an educator who is making a difference in inclusive education?

We're looking for shining stars in the public school system who've gone above and beyond in supporting the education of children who are D/deaf or have hearing loss for an upcoming online event.

The event will showcase how schools and educators can take small steps to make a big difference. We're particularly interested in examples of inclusive communication and interesting uses of technology to make a difference.

If you know a school or educator that you think deserves a shout-out, let us know!

We're also interested in hearing from primary and secondary schools, or educators, who'd like to showcase a particular project or initiative to support inclusion.

You can make suggestions in the comments section below or email us directly at hello@deafnessforum.org.au.

11/01/2026

A great article about just how important our lips are in communication from our good friend Shari Eberts and Living With Hearing Loss.

https://livingwithhearingloss.com/2021/05/18/take-care-of-your-lips-they-help-me-hear/

If you are interested in speech reading classes head to https://bhabrisbane.org.au/services/advocacy-support-connection/lip-reading-course/ for information about BHA's course.

Big lips, small lips, red lips, blue lips — it is all the same to me. I just want clear access. I use your lips to help me hear.

10/01/2026

In any crowd, many people are working harder to follow speech—especially in echoey or noisy rooms. Hearing augmentation helps reduce listening effort so more people can participate. Learn more: bhabrisbane.org.au/loop-me/

10/01/2026

As BOM warns us of a potential cyclone in the state's north, now is the time to make sure you are prepared. For people with hearing loss a few extra checks will ensure you have the best access to news and information about the potential impact.

Print out, like and share the list below:

Hearing devices & tech
☐ Pack a small hearing kit in your go-bag (hearing aids / processors, spare domes, tubes, wax guards).
☐ Stock up on extra batteries or fully charge rechargeable devices + bring chargers/power banks.
☐ Keep spare processors/hearing aids in a waterproof container (snap-lock bag or sealed case).
☐ Save your audiologist/implant clinic details in your phone and on paper.

Staying informed
☐ Make sure you’re set up for text alerts from local authorities (check councils/emergency apps).
☐ Follow trusted sources (e.g. Bureau of Meteorology, ABC Emergency, QFES) on your phone or tablet.
☐ Turn on captions on TV and streaming services so you can follow warnings.
☐ Keep a battery-powered radio handy (if possible with visual display).

Communication back-ups
☐ Pack a notepad and pens for quick written messages with family, neighbours or emergency staff.
☐ Print a simple communication card: “I am deaf/hard of hearing. Please get my attention before speaking, speak clearly or use clear writing.”
☐ Share key phrases with family (e.g. “Tap my shoulder and face me before you talk”).

Home & evacuation plan
☐ Decide where you’ll go if you need to evacuate (friend, family, official shelter).
☐ Ensure your household knows how to get your attention if you’re not wearing your devices (touch, lights, notes).
☐ Store your go-bag near the door: medications, hearing kit, phone charger, ID, water, snacks.
☐ If you live alone, choose and inform at least two check-in contacts who know you have hearing loss.

During a warning / watch
☐ Put your devices on early and wear them as much as practical while you prepare.
☐ Keep your phone charged and close, with volume, light indicator and vibration turned up.
☐ Move your hearing kit, meds, and valuables to a high, dry spot or directly into your go-bag.
☐ Message family/friends: tell them where you are and how best to contact you.

If you evacuate
☐ Take your hearing kit, chargers, batteries and waterproof container with you.
☐ On arrival, show staff your communication card and let them know how to get your attention.
☐ Choose a spot where you can see staff and information boards clearly.

After the cyclone
☐ Check your devices for moisture or damage; use a drying kit if you have one.
☐ If your hearing has changed or gear is damaged, contact your audiologist/clinic as soon as it’s safe.
☐ Write down anything that was hard this time (missed alerts, communication issues) and adjust your plan.

Like and share! And don't forget the rest of your storm preparations: https://www.nema.gov.au/our-work/resilience/national-resilience-action-library/queensland-tropical-cyclone-property-preparedness-guide

09/01/2026

“I’m not hard of hearing. I’m just tired of listening.”
Every now and then you just have to laugh about hearing loss or it would drive you crazy. At BHA we do that every Friday! Think you can do better than our A level Dad jokes? Post your joke in the comments below and we might just publish it! Chuck us a like and follow us for more.

08/01/2026

This week in "What the...!"

The ability to analyze how the inner ear works could help provide better therapies, especially for sensorineural hearing loss.

08/01/2026

“I think I have hearing loss—what now?” You don’t have to figure it out alone. Our team can help you explore next steps at your pace and point you toward useful information. Free and confidential. Click the link to find out more.

https://bhabrisbane.org.au/services/advocacy-support-connection/hearing-help-desk/

08/01/2026

Making learning fun is always a great idea!

Make this summer break more fun with Platypus Playhouse, where learning Auslan feels like fun play.

Our resources are designed to build confidence, support communication, and bring families together through shared learning. Every child can join in, explore, and enjoy learning in a visual, supportive way.

Some of our Platypus Playhouse products are now on sale for a limited time, so don’t miss your chance to grab a bargain and keep kids learning through the holidays.

Head to our shop and enjoy a summer full of connection and discovery: https://www.deafchildrenaustralia.org.au/shop/

04/01/2026

World Braille Day – 4 January: Today we recognise the importance of Braille as a means of communication, supporting access to information, education and independence for people who are blind or have low vision. Braille also plays a vital role for people who are deafblind, where tactile communication can be key.

A small action can make a big difference: share information in accessible formats, use clear language, and support inclusive spaces in your community.

02/01/2026

Hearing loss affects everyday life, and too many people put off getting help. BHA Brisbane’s Hearing Access Program is about one simple idea: more people deserve access to hearing aids and support, so they can stay connected to the people and moments that matter.
Learn more: https://bhabrisbane.org.au/services/advocacy-support-connection/hearing-access-program/

01/01/2026

Fact: Hearing loss can make conversations hard, especially in noisy places.
It’s not about ignoring people—it’s about missing sounds.

Be patient, face the person when speaking, and repeat things clearly instead of assuming they aren’t listening.

We are publishing 52 hearing loss myths to highlight the good, the bad and the ugly of hearing loss misinformation and misunderstandings. Comment below with your hearing loss experiences—we’d love to hear them!

01/01/2026

A new study is shining a light on a quiet problem in residential aged care: people in care facilities are getting fewer hearing checks and using hearing supports less often than older adults living at home. Reporting on the research notes that regular hearing tests dropped from 31% (living at home) to 21% (in residential care), alongside a similar drop in vision testing (55% to 32%).

Why it matters: unmanaged hearing loss can amplify isolation, depression, falls risk and cognitive decline, yet many causes and impacts of sensory loss are treatable or manageable with routine screening and timely support.

The study analysed nearly 50,000 assessments (2019–2020) and also flagged inequities in access for some groups in residential care.

Worth a read if you have a loved one in aged care (or work in the sector): it’s a reminder to ask “When was the last hearing check?” and to push for hearing supports to be part of everyday care.
Read the article:

People living in residential aged care are far less likely to use hearing aids or receive regular hearing examinations than elderly people living at home, new research shows.