Gerard is a cricket umpire, lawyer, business owner, family man and hearing aid wearer. His mission is simple: to help people to act on their hearing health sooner, like he wished he had.
Gerard Abood is one of Australia’s most experienced cricket umpires, having officiated more Sheffield Shield matches than any umpire in history, as well as regularly umpiring in the Big Bash League.
But away from the cricket field, Gerard has experienced something familiar to many Australians: gradually realising his hearing wasn’t what it used to be - and putting off doing something about it.
Today, as a Connect Hearing Brand Ambassador, Gerard is sharing his experience to encourage others to take action sooner than he did.
For Gerard, hearing loss didn’t happen overnight.
Over time, small adjustments became second nature. He favoured one ear for phone calls. Conversations became harder to follow when there was background noise. Restaurants and group settings required more concentration. At work, at home and on the cricket field, listening was taking more effort than it should.
Like many people experiencing hearing loss, Gerard adapted.
“We do things that we think are helping, but they’re really just masking the problem.”
Over time, constantly trying to listen became tiring. Gerard admits there was another reason he hesitated: he worried about what wearing hearing aids might say about getting older.
But as his hearing began affecting more areas of his life, that perception became less important than being able to participate fully in the things that mattered to him.
In 2025, Gerard decided to get his hearing checked at Connect Hearing. What he found was a much simpler experience than he expected - and a change that would make everyday life easier.
Since getting hearing aids, Gerard no longer needs to work as hard to keep up.
Conversations are easier. Social occasions are more enjoyable. He feels less tired from the effort of listening. And whether he’s in court, at home with his family or umpiring a cricket match, he can focus more on the moment rather than on trying to hear it.
For Gerard, one of the biggest changes has been something less obvious.
Confidence.
“My favourite thing that I’ve got back is just confidence to be around people.”
Looking back, Gerard’s only regret is that he waited as long as he did.
From conversations around the dinner table to the courtroom and cricket field, Gerard shares the moments that made him realise it was time to stop working around his hearing loss - and the difference taking action has made.
Watch the video to find out more!
Hearing loss can happen gradually, which means it isn’t always easy to recognise how much it may be affecting everyday life.
You might find yourself turning up the TV, asking people to repeat themselves, struggling with conversations in busy places or simply feeling more tired after trying to keep up.
Gerard spent years adapting before deciding to do something about his hearing.
A hearing check is a simple first step towards understanding your hearing and whether you could benefit from support.
hearing and hearing lossClaire Guastella, Audiologist
25 Mar 2025
What Happens in a Hearing Check?
Hearing checks are quick, painless and potentially life-changing. Like a check up with a doctor, you should consider having an annual hearing check. After all, if you’re suffering from hearing loss, the sooner you get a diagnosis, the better.
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