Commit to Better Hearing This May
From communicating with others to picking up on cues from our environment, our hearing plays a significant role in our days and lives. Changes in hearing can dramatically impact one’s quality of life. As May is Better Hearing Month approaches, it is an excellent reminder that we should care for our hearing like we would other parts of our bodies, get check-ups and take changes in hearing seriously, and seek help when they persist.
HELP BREAK THE STIGMA AROUND HEARING LOSS
Did you know that about 48 million Americans have hearing loss? Across all age groups, hearing impairments are widespread. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), about 2-3 of every 1,000 children born in the U.S. have some hearing loss, and about 15% of American adults (ages 18 and older) have reported hearing problems. Despite these numbers, the stigma around hearing loss continues to deter people from seeking help when they have changes in hearing. We can all work together to break this stigma by talking about hearing health and normalizing hearing screenings, seeking treatment and taking control of our hearing loss, and being open about our own hearing loss experiences with family and friends.
GET REGULAR HEARING SCREENINGS
Because age-related hearing loss affects many adults, screenings are a great way to ensure changes are detected and treated early. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) recommends healthy adults under 50 get their hearing checked every ten years and adults 50 and older get their hearing checked every three years.
ACT ON PERSISTENT CHANGES IN HEARING
If you notice a sudden change in your hearing and it persists, whether that be hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), or pressure in the ears, it is imperative to seek immediate care. Once an audiologist examines you, they will determine the best next steps for your hearing health.
Are you due for a hearing screening? If you are a new patient, fill out our request an appointment form. If you are a returning patient, contact our Roanoke or Crozet office. Interested in learning more about hearing health? Check out our other blog posts and follow our Roanoke and Crozet Facebook pages!
