Better Hearing Australia Brisbane

12/08/2026

New research suggests brain health can be measurably improved at any age
A recent study published in Scientific Reports suggests that adults of all ages can actively improve and maintain their brain health over several years by using accessible online training and coaching tools.

Can you strengthen your brain health as you get older? New research shows that adults of all ages who engage in brief, daily cognitive exercises can significantly improve their mental clarity, social connectedness, and emotional resilience over time.

10/08/2026

It's not just rocket launches and death metal concerts that lead to hearing loss. Many everyday activities can cause damage. Here's what you can do to protect your ears for decades to come.

It's not just rocket launches and death metal concerts that lead to hearing loss. Many everyday activities can cause damage. Here's what you can do to protect your ears.

09/08/2026

Making our Community Connect Groups Tick: At the heart of every Community Connect group is our volunteer convenor. The person who makes sure everything is organised for the meeting whether it be guest speakers or tea and coffee.

This month we wanted to highlight Shirley Edwards (bottom row centre), the convenor of our Carindale hearing loss support group.

Her hearing loss journey is tragic yet hopeful and she has shared it with us.

From early diagnosis, a life of trial and challenges, to a passion for helping others with hearing loss... it's all part of Shirley's story and we share it on our website.

Click to read about this remarkable journey -

Read Shirley’s journey from profound deafness to cochlear implants, advocacy and helping others with support and technology.

07/08/2026

Time for a Friday Funny. While hearing loss can be frustrating, isolating and challenging, sometimes a little humour can help us feel connected. The cartoon below gave us a smile, so we thought we’d pass it on.

Do you have a hearing loss-related joke, cartoon or light-hearted moment to share? Send it through to us and we may use it soon.

06/08/2026

TMR Disability Action Plan 2026–28 Released: Better Hearing Australia is pleased to have contributed to the development of the co-designed Transport and Main Roads Disability Action Plan 2026–28, which is now available on the TMR website.

Through our involvement in the TMR Accessibility Reference Group, BHA provided lived experience perspectives and feedback to help inform the plan and TMR’s priorities for improving accessibility across Queensland’s passenger transport network.

The plan is currently available in PDF format, with additional accessible versions expected in the coming weeks, including HTML, Auslan, Easy Read, audio and a Plain English large-print Word version.

We welcome the plan’s release and thank Transport and Main Roads Queensland for the opportunity to contribute on behalf of people with hearing loss.

See the plan at: https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/travel-and-transport/disability-access-and-mobility/disability-action-plan

05/08/2026

On Tuesday 11 August, make sure you're represented in the 2026 Census!

If you sign at home, make Auslan your answer for question 21.

🫶 Every Auslan user counts.

Every five years, the Census helps shape Australia's future. For the Deaf community, it also shapes how governments understand the size, diversity and needs of people who communicate in Auslan.

✴️If Auslan is your primary or preferred language, make sure you record it in the 2026 Census.

In the 2021 Census, 16,242 people recorded using Auslan at home. Many believe the true number is much higher. Every person who identifies Auslan helps build a clearer picture of our community and strengthens the case for better accessibility, services and recognition.

When completing either your own (or the person you are helping) Census form:

✅ Go to Question 21
✅ Select "Yes, other language (please specify)"
✅ Write or type "Auslan"

It takes only a few seconds, but the impact can be felt for years to come.

Please share this post to help spread the word so every Auslan user has the opportunity to be counted.

05/08/2026

THIS SATURDAY: Join Your Local Hearing Loss Support Group in the Redlands! Living with hearing loss can feel isolating—but you don’t have to go through it alone. Our Community Connect groups are a supportive space where you can share experiences, make new friends, and learn from others living with hearing loss. Join us to connect, feel empowered, and build friendships.

What to Expect:
✅ Friendly conversations with others who understand hearing challenges
✅ Practical tips for living well with hearing loss
✅ Guest speakers and useful resources

Whether you wear hearing aids, are just starting your hearing journey, or support someone with hearing loss, there’s a place for you here.

This Saturday at the Donald Simpson Community Centre at 9.30am

05/08/2026

Action Group to Drive Universal Standards for Hearing Accessibility Established by IAHA

Chaired by Andrew Thomas with Vice Chair Andrew Bellavia, the International Association for Hearing Accessibility (IAHA) has established a new working group to assess global regulations, identify areas for improvement, and take action in concert with local stakeholders to make assistive listening technology universally available.

The International Association for Hearing Accessibility (IAHA) has established a new working group to assess global regulations, identify areas for improvement, and take action to make assistive listening technology universally available.

03/08/2026

From today, VRS is available until midnight, Monday to Friday.

This is Stage 1 of the planned move to 24 hours a day, 7 days a week service. It is an important step we will take together that will improve access for Auslan users and support greater equity.

This is the first of 4 increases to hours. We will keep you informed as each stage begins.

Emergency services in Auslan will be available during VRS operating hours.

Right now, the platform cannot identify or prioritise emergency calls.

As VRS hours increase in each stage, access to emergency services in Auslan will also increase.

Shortly video relay service will be fully available 24/7, you will be able to contact emergency services in Auslan at any time, day or night.

We are proud of this expansion and thankful to everyone helping make it happen. We look forward to sharing each stage with you over the coming months.

Need help?

Contact the NRS Helpdesk if you have questions. Helpdesk is open Monday to Friday 8:00am to 6pm (AEST). If you are outside these hours, you can leave a message, and a Helpdesk staff member will get back to you to work through your query.

Information on how to contact the Helpdesk is available here:

Helpdesk staff can help you with: Information about the NRS and Access Hub Feedback on the NRS and Access Hub (including complaints) Information about different relay call options Practice relay calls Instructions for different relay call options. Contact detailsYou can contact the Helpdesk staff us...

29/07/2026

HAVE YOUR SAY! - The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Organising Committee (Brisbane 2032) is working to make sure the Games are sustainable, inclusive and create long-term benefits.

To make sure the Games are accessible and inclusive for everyone, and increase the benefits for people with disability, Brisbane 2032 is developing a Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP).

They would like to hear from anybody with disability who enjoys attending events, as well as their support people and companions. This doesn’t just mean sporting events. We’d like to hear about your experiences going to festivals, concerts, community celebrations, community markets, and live performances.

https://www.olympics.com/en/brisbane-2032/the-games/impact-and-legacy/diap-survey