The ability to hear connects us to our world in many ways. From treasured contact with friends and family to maximum performance in the workplace to physical safety. Hearing provides deep and important connections that no other sense can replace, which is why the Hearing Industries Association (HIA) partnered with 29 leading consumer organizations, hearing health professional organizations, hearing aid manufacturers and retailers to launch the 'Hear Well' campaign. The campaign is designed to educate the public on hearing loss and the critical role hearing professionals play in the identification and treatment of hearing loss.
Good hearing results in positive health outcomes, increases social engagement, improves communication, and lowers the risk of cognitive decline and depression. Everyone should know the status of their hearing health and how to protect it over their lifetime. The best method to understanding your hearing health is by speaking with a licensed hearing professional and having a hearing test.
“The benefits of seeing a licensed hearing professional cannot be understated,” said Kate Carr, President of the Hearing Industries Association (HIA), a trade association that represents hearing aid manufacturers, distributors and suppliers of hearing aids, implants, and other hearing devices and related products. “The 'Hear Well' campaign educates people on the importance of consulting with a hearing professional to understand their unique hearing loss before making a decision about their treatment plan.”
In a 2021 survey of over 15,000 households conducted by HIA, 91% of hearing aid owners reported being satisfied with their hearing professional.1 A hearing professional includes an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) physician, audiologist, and hearing aid specialist. An estimated 48 million Americans have some form of hearing loss2, making it one of the most prevalent medical conditions in the country. Based on additional research by HIA, one in five adults over age 55 have never had a hearing test and one in four have not had a test in the last decade, despite the high incidence rate.
“Untreated hearing loss can lead to other health problems including depression, cognitive decline, and risk of falls,” said Barbara Kelley, Executive Director of the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA), an organization that supports the campaign. “There is no one solution to hearing loss that works for everyone, and a trusted hearing professional can be an important part of any treatment plan.”
“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 Sarah Sydlowski, AuD, PhD, MBA, President of the American Academy of Audiology. Sydlowski is also Audiology Director of the Hearing Implant Program, Director of Audiology Innovation and Strategic Partnerships, and Associate Chief Improvement Officer at the Cleveland Clinic. “Having your hearing evaluated paves the way for recommendations to improve your hearing health and function and can offer tips for protecting your hearing to make sure it can serve you well for a lifetime.”
“The treatment of hearing loss continues to improve for all types of loss. It is essential that patients see a hearing professional in order to receive the most accurate diagnosis and best treatment for their condition,” said James C. Denneny, MD, EVP/CEO, American Academy of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery.
“Addressing one’s hearing loss offers immeasurable benefits to a person and their safety, relationships, productivity, and overall health and well-being. That relies on attaining hearing checks through a qualified hearing healthcare provider to identify hearing loss early and taking proactive steps to minimize any disruption to one’s daily life and wellness,” said Annette Cross, BC-HIS, a board-certified hearing aid specialist and owner/president of Provincial Hearing Services in Nova Scotia, Canada.
Professionals confirm that taking care of your hearing is taking care of your long-term well-being. Don't delay in reaching out to a local hearing care professional to get your hearing checked and, if necessary, get your hearing loss treated. It's time to reconnect to your world - learn more about hearing health and the 'Hear Well' campaign at Hearing.org.
The Hearing Industries Association is the trusted voice on hearing health care for product innovation, public policy, patient safety and education.
