Do you have hearing loss? Have you been living with tinnitus, that annoying ringing or buzzing sound in your ears that won’t let you concentrate or interferes with your sleep? For roughly 40 million Americans, hearing loss is a daily struggle, and sadly many choose not to treat their hearing loss. This May, be inspired by those who have treated their hearing loss, communicate easily with loved ones, have success at work, and have a high quality of life.
American Speech Language Hearing Association
May is Better Hearing and Speech Month! For the past 92 years, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) has dedicated this month to raising awareness about hearing loss and other communication disorders, and warns about the struggles you’ll face living with untreated hearing loss. This year, the theme is “Communication Across the Lifespan” and if you’ve been straining to hear, whatever your age, we join the ASHA in encouraging you to take charge of your hearing health, and make the best decisions for you and your family. Find out more about Better Speech and Hearing Month at http://www.asha.org/bhsm/, and get inspired to treat your hearing loss.
Emma
Emma has had hearing loss for as long as she can remember. At the age of 3 she had an ear infection that damaged her hearing in both ears, and left her severely deaf. In the first few years, she struggled to overcome communication barriers, learn how to hear with hearing aids, and learn how to speak clearly. With her audiologist and speech pathologist, she learned to not only hear, but to flourish. Now, she plays several musical instruments, and even sings. She was the first hard of hearing woman to be named Miss San Antonio during her time studying at the University of Texas, and she hasn’t let her hearing loss hold her back. In fact, rather than trying to hide her hearing devices, she wears them openly, and hopes people will notice them so she can share her story, and encourage others to treat their hearing loss. She posts about her hearing loss and hearing aids on social media, and uses this platform to educate and inspire those with hearing loss.
Lorenzo
Like Emma, Lorenzo has been hard of hearing since he was very young. He had hearing devices growing up, but when he became a teenager, he was worried about what people would think about him, and he stopped wearing his devices altogether, choosing to go through life nearly deaf. He finished high school and studied at university, all without being able to hear easily, keep up with classes, or make friends, and his confidence plummeted. After graduating, he started to wear his devices full time, and couldn’t believe the change he saw in his personal and professional life. “For years I struggled without my hearing aids,” says Lorenzo, “which meant I couldn’t keep up with conversations. But I wouldn’t be able to do half the things I do today without them.” Now Lorenzo is 33, full of confidence, and never without his hearing aids. “Hearing aids don’t make you ‘old’,” Lorenzo says, “they keep you young! Embrace it.” He’s always trying new things, and he recently ran his first marathon! Hearing aids allowed him to do things he’d never thought possible.
Andy
Andy isn’t your average senior. At 74 years of age, he’s still full of energy and enjoying life for all it’s worth. He doesn’t let hearing loss hold him back, but still does all the things he loves. He started to lose his hearing in his 50s, and he had to retire from his job as a primary school teacher. He didn’t stay home though, but got fitted for a hearing aids, learned new hobbies and stayed active by lecturing part time at a university and singing at open mic events at neighborhood pubs.
Lifestyle Hearing Solutions
Don’t choose to live with hearing loss! Be inspired by these stories, and call us at Lifestyle Hearing Solutions to book an appointment for a hearing test. Celebrate Better Hearing and Speech Month with us by investing in the hearing aids that will change your life, bring you closer to your loved ones, and let you do the things you love.