58.4% Lack Confidence in Communicating Evacuation Info to Parents: Rethinking 'Effective Disaster Prevention' Before Rainy Season

Hearing Distributor Japan, which operates the hearing aid specialty store Audio Nova, surveyed children with parents over 60 regarding whether evacuation information would reach them effectively before the rainy and heavy rain season. The results showed that 58.4% of respondents felt 'anxious' about their confidence in ensuring the information reaches their parents. While disaster stockpiling is progressing, the reality is that 'communication preparedness'—whether information actually reaches the elderly or if verbal warnings are heard—is often neglected. Based on these results, Audio Nova is promoting 'Hearing Loss Experience' at its flagship store in Nakameguro, allowing families to understand their parents' hearing through experience. Additionally, to provide an easy entry point for those with even slight concerns, they are holding 'Hearing Aid Trial Sessions' at all stores until June 20. The survey found that 83.6% of people are concerned about evacuation information and power outages during the rainy and typhoon season. The top reasons for anxiety include 'parents not noticing smartphone notifications/not checking phones' (47.6%) and 'difficulty noticing during the night/while sleeping' (44.1%). 52.7% of respondents have experienced concerns about their parents' hearing, noting frequent requests for repetition or slow responses to calls. Audio Nova is encouraging hearing consultations through these trial sessions to help families prepare for effective communication during emergencies.