May brings warmer weather, spring flowers and a focus on one of our most important senses – hearing. It has been designated Better Hearing and Speech Month, an opportunity for doctors in Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota and nationwide to educate patients about hearing and speech disorders.
In 1927, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) designated setting aside a month in which doctors would help spread awareness about hearing loss and speech disorders and urging people to take action if they are having hearing or speech problems. President Reagan issued a formal proclamation in May 1986 naming May as Better Hearing & Speech Month.
Facts About Hearing
Hearing loss is a widespread condition that affects roughly one in every five Americans, yet few pay much attention to their ears – until there is a problem (and even then, it often takes years before they seek treatment). Older people are more likely to be affected; about one in three adults experiences some degree of hearing loss by the time they turn 65. At age 75, that number jumps to one in two. Age isn’t the only cause of hearing loss; noise exposure, disease, trauma and even too much earwax can lead to a hearing impairment.
Seniors aren’t the only ones affected by hearing loss. It can occur in people of all ages – even babies, toddlers, pre-teens and adolescents. Because hearing is crucial in the development of language and social skills, children with hearing loss face some pretty big challenges. Early detection and intervention are key in ensuring children develop at normal rates alongside their peers.
Your Spencer audiologist wants to take advantage of Better Hearing & Speech Month to urge you to give your ears the same care you give your eyes. Many people have regular vision exams; how about making hearing exams a regular part of your health routine, as well? Hearing exams can help uncover problems early, preventing some of the debilitating social, emotional and physical effects associated with untreated hearing loss.
Regardless of your age or lifestyle, routine hearing exams are a safe and dependable way of making sure any hearing issues are treated as early as possible. Help spread the word about Better Hearing & Speech Month and set a good example by scheduling a hearing exam with your hearing professional today!