This month was Better Hearing & Speech Month, observed by audiologists and hearing care professionals across the United States. With the help of our colleagues, we aim to raise awareness and educate about hearing loss awareness and prevention measures.
Improved speech and hearing are among the primary goals of Better Speech and Hearing Month (BSHM). Public awareness for BSHM is supported by the American Speech and Hearing Association and the American Academy of Audiology. We must raise awareness about the plight of those in our society who suffer from hearing loss. A better quality of life for our communities can be achieved through increased awareness.
The stigma of hearing loss
The average time for a person living with hearing loss to take action is seven years. The average patient waits seven years from diagnosis to treatment! For the most part, people don’t put off seeking medical attention for seven years, let alone one year. Because of this, why is a hearing loss so unique?
Many people believe that admitting that they have a hearing loss is a sign of weakness or inadequacy. Even if you’ve never had to deal with it before, you’ll know it’s not true! Many people’s friends, family, and coworkers may look down on them because of their hearing loss.
It’s the same as having a “weak knee” or having vision problems. As hearing care professionals, it is our responsibility to educate people about hearing loss to feel more confident in seeking treatment. Many people aren’t aware of hearing loss’s ramifications on their loved ones. Relationships suffer, as do social interactions and prospects for future employment, to name just a few.
How to tell if you have hearing loss
Trying to communicate in a noisy environment can be difficult if you or a loved one has hearing loss. There is a wide range of noisy situations, from small gatherings to crowded restaurants.
You or a family member may say that others are “mumbling.” You may have to get your loved ones to repeat what they said.
Or perhaps you find yourself asking “huh?” a lot. Additionally, hearing loss can cause you to avoid social gatherings because you know you won’t be able to hear well in a large group, have difficulty understanding what people say when they aren’t speaking directly to you, or even experience a ringing or buzzing in your ears.
People with hearing loss are familiar with all of these scenarios. Because of these symptoms, it is essential to be honest with yourself and begin the process of improving your hearing health.
Make this one change to improve your hearing health
Having any of the symptoms listed above may indicate that you or someone you care about needs to have a hearing test. Better Speech and Hearing Month couldn’t come at a better time.
Our hearing professionals are the best in the business. We conduct in-depth hearing evaluations to determine your current hearing capabilities in both ears.
What is involved in a hearing test? We will conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the hearing loss to better understand it. Wax and debris in your ears will be examined to ensure that the examination is not hindered. You will hear a series of beeps and tones as your audiologist gathers your hearing prescription during the hearing test. The test results will be discussed with you, and a strategy for either monitoring or treating your hearing loss will be put in place.
Better Hearing and Speech Month extends beyond just one month of the year! We’re open year round – stop by our clinic to learn more about our services! Our goal is to educate you about the prevalence of hearing loss while making you feel at ease with the process of treating your own.
The results of your hearing test will be discussed in detail, and various treatment options, including the use of earplugs in noisy environments. We’re trained to look at the big picture when it comes to making a decision, and we’ll do so with your health and happiness in mind! There are many options for amplification, or hearing aids, as a treatment option.
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