Connecting People | May is Better Hearing and Speech Month!

Connecting People | May is Better Hearing and Speech Month!

This month is Better Speech and Hearing Month! Public health education and access are two goals of this month established by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Identifying and solving hearing problems requires communication, and this year’s topic is ‘connecting people.’

Here are a few facts about hearing health and safety to get you started this month.

 

The price of hearing loss

Hearing loss affects an estimated 40 million Americans, making it the third most common chronic health problem in the United States. Despite this, hearing loss’s toll on those around us is frequently overlooked. 

As a result of hearing loss, our brains have to work harder to compensate for the lack of auditory information, leading to cognitive difficulties and changes in the way our brains absorb sounds. Untreated hearing loss can be stressful and challenging to deal with, negatively impacting our entire health. If left untreated, hearing loss can lead to depression, anxiety, loneliness, and even dementia if it isn’t addressed.

Treating hearing loss is highly recommended to improve one’s quality of life. It has the potential to improve your social life, health, and even your financial situation! Treatment and hearing rehabilitation can alleviate the adverse effects of hearing loss on communication and cognitive abilities.

 

Know the Warning Signs

Hearing loss might be difficult to detect. It’s essential to be aware of several telltale signs of hearing loss.

Hearing loss could be the culprit if people’s voices sound muddled or if you find yourself asking them to repeat themselves a lot.

Getting your hearing checked is essential if you have to crank up the volume on your television, cell phone, computer, or other home electronics to make sense of what is being said.

When you’re in a group setting, pay attention to how noise affects you. Getting a hearing test is a good idea if you have problems following discussions with more than two people or avoid social settings like restaurants or bars because of your inability to cope with background noise.

Additionally, tinnitus, which can be heard in the ears, is a sign of compromised hearing.

A close friend or family member who knows you’re hard of hearing may be noticing things you aren’t. Make an effort to maintain good hearing health by having any issues you notice evaluated as soon as possible. Hearing loss can often be treated and rehabilitated more thoroughly if discovered early on.

 

Protect your hearing

Understanding your hearing health might also help you preserve your hearing abilities. The world around you can be a noisy place, so keep an eye out for it. Ensure that you use ear protection at work and bring earplugs to athletic events and concerts. When listening to music through headphones, keep an eye on the volume. Using earbuds to listen to loud noise might be particularly detrimental to one’s ears.

 

Connect with those around you by treating your hearing loss early

It is easier for your ears and brain to adapt to hearing aids early enough if hearing loss is discovered and treated early on. It has less impact on your cognitive function and allows you to enjoy the benefits of better hearing sooner.

Because of advances in technology, treatment options for all stages of hearing loss, from mild to profound, are now available. Even if you’ve been putting off getting your ears checked, now is the best time to do so.

For help with your hearing issues, contact us and speak with one of our hearing specialists. Hearing tests can determine if a person has hearing loss, and hearing specialists can determine the nature of the loss and the best treatment options.

Our hearing tests provide a comprehensive picture of your hearing capacity and can pinpoint hearing loss and the best treatment options. There are many options for hearing aids, and our helpful staff is here to help you choose a solution that works for your lifestyle.

Better Speech and Hearing Month is a great time to address your hearing issues. Set up a consultation with us today and take charge of your best hearing health!