May is Better Speech and Hearing Month
Better Speech and Hearing Month is an annual initiative that takes place in May to raise awareness about communication disorders, such as hearing loss.
In the United States, approximately 48 million Americans experience some degree of hearing loss. One in three people over the age of 65 experience hearing loss, with the numbers increasing to 50% for people over the age of 75. Regardless of age, hearing loss is a complex problem that significantly affects one’s overall well-being.
The American Speech – Language – Hearing Association (ASHA) has focused 2016’s Better Speech and Hearing Month on the increased rates of young people experiencing hearing loss. This is due to an increased use of personal electronic devices, plugged into earbuds and headphones that may damage hearing. The rates are alarming for young people – the World Health Organization estimates that over 1 billion young people are at risk for hearing loss due to use of these devices.
Hearing loss has long been linked to an increased risk of depression, stress, and anxiety for its role in isolating people socially. In young people, hearing loss may affect verbal and socio-emotional development, as well as academic and vocational success. If left unattended, hearing loss may have life-long, life-altering effects.
Communication Takes Care – Steps to Better Hearing
This May, Lifestyle Hearing Solutions is committed to improving hearing health for people of all ages in the Tucson area. We are also committed to ensuring that young people – and adults! – are aware of best practices to protect their hearing.
When using personal electronic devices, it is important to adhere to the 60-60 rule, as prescribed by hearing specialists. This means listening to music and other media at 60% volume, for no more than 60 minutes a day.
The use of earbuds is especially risky when it comes to hearing. The proximity of earbuds to the eardrum and its placement in the ear canal has the tendency to make sounds louder than they are. We recommend using noise-canceling headphones, if possible. Noise-canceling headphones simultaneously block out noise from your surroundings while allowing you to listen to media at a healthy volume. Earbuds, on the other hand, do not block out noise and therefore people tend to crank up the volume to cancel out background noise.
We believe it is important for parents to communicate and model good hearing health practices, to prevent long-term, noise-induced hearing damage.
Time to Schedule a Hearing Test?
Hearing tests are often overlooked, but they are a key part in ensuring good hearing health. For Better Speech and Hearing Month, why not schedule a hearing test with us at Lifestyle Hearing Solutions?
We offer comprehensive hearing tests and recommend an annual hearing test to best monitor hearing health. If you suspect your child may be having a hearing issue, contact us for a complete evaluation. Identifying hearing issues early on is integral to emotional, social, and verbal development in children.
The Benefits of Hearing Aids
If a hearing loss is identified, we will work with you to find the best solution. Hearing loss is most commonly treated with the prescription of hearing aids.
In recent years, hearing aids have undergone something of a technological revolution. Hearing aids are equipped with wireless connectivity, with some models allowing you to connect directly to your smartphones and tablets to stream conversations, music, and other media. Additionally, hearing aids assist the brain in the listening process, improve speech recognition, and provide clear sound quality for enriched accessibility to the world around you and to your loved ones.
Young or old – this is the month to improve your hearing health. Good hearing health begins with clear communication. Contact us at Lifestyle Hearing Solutions today to schedule a hearing evaluation and consultation!