Did you know May is Better Hearing and Speech Month? Every May, the American Speech-Language Hearing Association raises awareness about hearing and communication by celebrating Better Hearing and Speech Month (BHSM).
Your hearing is an important part of your overall health and well-being. Better hearing not only helps you connect with the people around you but allows you to be immersed in a world of sound. This year, the theme for Better Hearing and Speech Month is, “Connecting People.”
Discover 4 ways you can celebrate Better Hearing and Speech Month and stay connected to the people you love!
1. Wear Hearing Protection
Loud noise exposure is one of the most common causes of hearing loss in adults of all ages. You may not realize it, but you are most likely exposed to dangerously loud sounds at times. Any sound over 85 decibels can be detrimental to your hearing, leading to noise-induced hearing loss. In order to protect your hearing, it is important to wear hearing protection, such as earplugs, to prevent any hearing loss from developing.
2. Schedule Annual Hearing Exams
Just as you visit the dentist or a primary care physician every year, you should also be having your hearing checked on a regular basis. If you already have hearing loss, or if you work where loud noise is a hazard, it is important to monitor your hearing with yearly exams. This will ensure any changes in your hearing ability are caught early and you can be proactive.
3. Educate Yourself
There is a lot you can learn about hearing loss and communication disorders. Our goal is to normalize and decrease the stigma surrounding hearing loss. A key way to help us achieve this is by educating yourself about hearing loss and spreading awareness to those around you. To learn more about hearing and communication, check out www.asha.org.
4. Spread Awareness
Having hearing loss can feel isolating, that is why it is so important to spread awareness so others can understand how to better communicate with those with hearing or communication disorders. By spreading awareness, you can help destigmatize hearing loss and educate more people on how they can be proactive.
Start Today
Start celebrating Better Hearing and Speech Month by implementing these tips into your life! Taking care of your hearing health means you can experience an improved quality of life and connect with the people you love most. Contact us today to schedule your hearing exam or to learn more about Better Hearing and Speech Month!