There is a month dedicated for many causes: February is National Heart month, September is Falls Prevention Awareness month, November is National Diabetes month, and May is Better Speech and Hearing month (BSHM).  BSHM was first established in 1927 by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).  ASHA’s theme for this year’s BSHM is Communication: The Key to Connection.

Did you know:

• Approximately 36 million Americans report hearing loss?
• More than half the people with hearing loss are under the age of 65 years?
• Exposure to loud noise, one time, can cause hearing loss?
• Hearing loss is part of the normal aging process?
• Audiologists are trained to diagnosis and treat hearing loss?

Hearing loss is preventable and treatable.  Using hearing protection, either over-the-counter options or custom earplugs, around loud noise can reduce the risk of noise-induced hearing loss.  Treatment of hearing loss can range from monitoring to amplification, to prescription medications.  Early treatment is the key to good outcomes.

Take care of your hearing health, just like you care for your eyes, teeth, and the rest of your body.  ASHA recommends a comprehensive hearing evaluation once every decade between the ages of 18 and 50.  After 50, evaluations are recommended every three years.  Some primary care physicians will screen hearing during annual physical appointments.  Designer Audiology offers hearing tests for adults and children of any age.

During the entire month of May, Designer Audiology will highlight facts related to hearing loss and prevention.  Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ to find daily information and specials related to hearing.