Celebrating May Is Better Hearing Month With the St. Louis Audiologists at Associated Hearing Professionals
May Is Better Hearing Month is a time dedicated to educating the public about the importance of hearing health, recognizing the signs of hearing loss, and promoting preventative measures to protect our auditory well-being.
Whether you or a loved one is experiencing hearing difficulties or you’re simply interested in learning more about how to care for your ears, May Is Better Hearing Month offers a perfect opportunity to get informed and take action.
Join the team at Associated Hearing Professionals as we explore the essential elements of hearing health.
Facts About Hearing Loss and Hearing Health
Understanding hearing loss and maintaining hearing health are crucial for overall well-being.
Here are some important facts to consider:
- Approximately 15% of American adults (37.5 million) aged 18 and over report some trouble hearing, according to the National Institute On Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.
- Age-related hearing loss, or presbycusis, affects one in three people over the age of 65 and nearly half of those older than 75, according to the National Institute On Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.
- Prolonged exposure to loud noises is a common cause of hearing loss, affecting both young and older individuals. Over 10 million Americans have irreversible noise-induced hearing loss, according to the National Institute On Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.
- Approximately two to three out of every 1,000 children in the United States are born with a detectable level of hearing loss in one or both ears, according to the National Institute On Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.
- Untreated hearing loss can significantly affect communication, leading to social isolation, depression, and a decline in cognitive abilities, according to John Hopkins Medicine.
By staying informed and proactive about hearing health, we can mitigate the risks associated with hearing loss and ensure a better quality of life for ourselves and our loved ones.
How to Protect Your Hearing
Protecting your hearing is crucial for maintaining your overall well-being.
Start by limiting your exposure to loud noises — use earplugs or noise-canceling headphones in noisy environments and follow the 60/60 rule, listening at no more than 60% volume for no longer than 60 minutes at a time.
Ensure the volume on your devices is at a safe level, and take regular breaks from noisy settings to give your ears a rest. Avoid inserting objects into your ears, as this can cause damage, and keep your ears dry to prevent infections.
Be mindful of medications that can affect hearing, and support your hearing health by maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet.
Most importantly, schedule regular hearing tests with an audiologist. These exams can catch early signs of hearing loss and allow for prompt treatment, ensuring you maintain optimal auditory health throughout your life.
Learn More With Our St. Louis Audiologists
As we observe May Is Better Hearing Month, it’s the perfect time to prioritize your hearing health.
Audiologists play a vital role in maintaining hearing health, offering services from tinnitus treatment to hearing aid fittings.
At Associated Hearing Professionals, our team of highly trained and exceptionally friendly audiologists and office staff are dedicated to providing the best hearing care in the St. Louis metropolitan area.
Don’t wait to take charge of your hearing health. Schedule an appointment with our experienced audiologists today.
Let us help you enjoy a lifetime of better hearing and improved quality of life.