Nearly 100 years ago, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) designated May as Better Hearing and Speech Month in the U.S. Their goal? To raise awareness about speech and hearing challenges and encourage people to take action and treat their own hearing and speech problems.
It’s worked on raising awareness. Today, we know more about hearing loss — and the importance hearing plays in our quality of life — than ever before.
We know, for instance, that untreated hearing loss is linked to a laundry list of physical and mental well-being issues, including decreased cognitive function, higher incidences of hospitalizations, depression and falls, and increased risk of social isolation and dementia.
We know that connecting with family and friends, listening to music and nature, and not feeling left out of activities, events and conversations can be priceless.
We know that people who treat their hearing loss overwhelmingly say they are happy that they did something about this very treatable issue.
And we know that today’s hearing technology is leaps and bounds better than it was even just a few years ago — and that the best hearing aids can make hearing and connecting effortless again.
Hearing your best is no longer hard to do
It hasn’t worked as well, though, on ASHA’s “taking action” goal. Unfortunately, too many of the tens of millions of Americans who have hearing loss don’t do anything about it — despite treatment being readily available and evidence for hearing loss treatment being so powerful.
But hey, that’s why we celebrate—err, keep reminding people—every May!
Let this be the month you start hearing and living better!
If hearing loss has been holding you back you from enjoying life as much as you want, Better Hearing Month is tailor-made to finally do something about it!
You can start by meeting with a local hearing care professional, who can test your hearing, measure your hearing loss precisely, and consult with you about treatment options. Just type your zip code in here and you’ll a generate a list of nearby hearing professionals or audiologists who you can reach out to for help.
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