May Is National Better Hearing Month, Marin Hearing Center and the American Academy of Audiology Is Encouraging Everyone to Get Their Hearing Checked.
“Healthy hearing means not waiting to check your hearing until hearing loss is so significant it’s impacting your ability to participate in your work, social events you enjoy, or conversations with loved ones,” said Lisa Monardi, Doctor of Audiology at Marin Hearing Center. “Subtle changes in hearing may not be immediately noticeable but can impact quality of life. Audiologists check our hearing and make recommendations for improving hearing health and function. In addition, they can offer tips for protecting your hearing to make sure it can serve you well for a lifetime.”
Hearing loss impacts a large number of Americans.
May is Better Hearing Month to promote awareness of just how common hearing loss is. According to a study by the National Institutes of Health (NIDCD), approximately 15 percent (37.5 million) of American adults aged 18 and older, have some trouble with hearing and approximately 28.8 million could benefit from the use of hearing aids. As the G-generation X and baby boomer population ages, more Americans are facing hearing health challenges. Growing numbers of younger Americans are also reporting hearing problems.
While age is still the greatest factor in hearing loss, many younger people also experience hearing difficulty due to exposure to loud music and noises including occupational noise. Most will benefit from hearing devices with growing evidence that properly fit devices results in better long-term outcomes.
“Research demonstrates that untreated hearing loss in seniors is related to poor health outcomes including significantly increased falls and dementia,” said Monardi. “Individuals with even mild hearing loss experience significant impact in the form of reduced quality of life and cognitive health. Most importantly, hearing is what connects us to the people in our lives and as we age, those social connections are increasingly valuable. It’s so important that we treasure our hearing and do all we can to support healthy hearing for a lifetime.”
Audiologists are the experts in hearing health.
While hearing aids are the most commonly recognized treatment for hearing loss, there are many factors that go into determining the best way to program hearing aid technology to manage changes in hearing. An audiologist is the specialist who is best equipped determine the underlying reason for the hearing loss and to further determine the appropriate treatment. They can also offer custom options for protecting hearing.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with an audiologist call us at 415-927-1567. You can also use our convenient online scheduling system. Most insurances will cover the cost of your hearing evaluation.
