Connecting People | May is Better Hearing and Speech Month!

Connecting People | May is Better Hearing and Speech Month!

In Hearing Health by Dr. Jason Leyendecker

Dr. Jason Leyendecker
Latest posts by Dr. Jason Leyendecker (see all)

May is one of our favorite months here at Audiology Concepts – it’s officially Better Speech and Hearing Month! Established by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), this awareness month helps promote public health education and access. This year’s theme is “Connecting People,” It reminds us how important it is to stay connected with the people we love. Here are some basic facts about hearing health and safety for sharing and wellness to start the month off.

The toll of hearing loss on the mind

Over 40 million Americans have hearing loss, making it the country’s third-largest chronic health issue. However, the impact of hearing loss is often unrecognized. 

Hearing impairment makes the brain compensate for missing auditory information, straining our cognitive functions and physically rewiring how our mind processes sound. Hearing loss can contribute to other serious health concerns like depression, anxiety, isolation, and even dementia if left untreated. Navigating the world with untreated hearing loss can be stressful and challenging, which takes a toll on our overall health. 

Treating hearing loss significantly boosts the quality of life. It can improve your social life, overall health, and even your income! With treatment and hearing rehabilitation, hearing loss doesn’t impact communication and cognitive skills like it does when left untreated.

Recognize the signs

It can be tricky to notice the signs of hearing loss. However, there are some tell-tale indicators of hearing issues to remember and watch out for.  

If you notice voices sounding muffled or if you need to have people repeat things often, both indicate a loss of hearing acuity. 

Around the house, if you need to turn the volume up high on personal devices, phones, televisions, and stereos to understand them, it is time to get your hearing checked. 

Be aware of how sound impacts you in social spaces. If you have trouble comprehending conversations with more than two people, or if you avoid parties or restaurants because you cannot navigate the sounds in the environment, it is a good idea to schedule a hearing exam.

Be proactive about your hearing health -if issues come to your attention, get them looked at! If a friend or family member talks to you about your hearing, they may be noticing things you are missing. The sooner hearing loss is recognized, the more thorough treatment and rehabilitation can be.

Another indicator of hearing loss is tinnitus, a ringing in the ears that could indicate damaged hearing. 

Protect those ears

Understanding hearing health can also help preserve your hearing ability. Be aware of the loud noise in the world around you. Be sure to wear ear protection in loud work environments and carry earplugs to activities like concerts and sporting events. Be aware of your volume levels if you listen to music through headphones. Loud noise delivered through earbuds can be especially damaging to hearing. 

No time like the present

There aren’t any advantages to delaying a hearing exam. If treatment is necessary, catching hearing loss in its initial stages helps your ear and mind adapt easier to devices like hearing aids. The earlier hearing loss is detected and treated, the less your cognitive system is taxed, and the sooner you get the benefits of better hearing.

If you’ve already been procrastinating, with today’s technology, there are excellent treatment options available for all levels of hearing loss, from early to profound. Even if you’ve been delaying getting your ears examined, now’s the perfect time to start addressing your hearing issues. 

Treating Hearing Loss

We are the right choice for your auditory health, whether you come to us with your first hearing concern or look to us to help you treat and monitor your current hearing issues. We carry a full range of hearing aids from the world’s leading hearing brands, and our friendly team of hearing specialists is focused on finding the right solution for your lifestyle. Our hearing exams create an accurate portrait of your hearing ability and can identify hearing loss and appropriate solutions. 

There’s no time like Better Speech and Hearing Month for addressing your hearing concerns. Set up an appointment with us today and be in control of your best hearing health!