If you are reading this blog, you are likely thinking or concerned about your or a loved one’s hearing. In the United States, it is estimated that between 38 to 48 million persons have having difficulty. That’s more than 1 in every 10 people, yet hearing health does not get the same attention as other health issues. To address this lack of awareness and to focus efforts on educating people across the country, fifteen organizations have partnered to create and distribute the Hear Well Education and Awareness campaign. We are sharing this critical message: hearing health is important for overall health and adults should consider adding a hearing test by a licensed hearing professional to their annual health care routine.
Does my hearing really matter THAT much?
Hearing professionals and physicians who have partnered on this campaign agree that hearing well-being has strong ties to mental and physical well-being. Good hearing results in positive health outcomes, increases social engagement, improves communication, and lowers the risk of cognitive decline, depression, and falls that lead to hospitalization1. Treating hearing loss not only provides a happier and safer environment for an individual but it could also reduce their overall healthcare expense by improving their physical well-being. That’s why hearing loss is the top modifiable risk factor of dementia – so don’t delay your treatment.2
Why raise awareness now?
Treatment options are expanding for those with hearing loss in the United States. With over-the-counter hearing aids available this October, adults with self-perceived mild to moderate hearing loss will have the option to purchase their own hearing aids online, through the mail, or at a retail store without the assistance of a hearing professional. With expanded treatment options, our aim is to help individuals find the safest and most effective path for their hearing health and finances.
What is the takeaway message from the Hear Well campaign?
Our message is simple: start with a licensed hearing professional. If you suspect that you have a hearing loss, or if your current hearing aids are not working out for you, a licensed hearing professional can provide a hearing test to recommend the technology best suited for you, understand your lifestyle needs, and answer any questions you may have about hearing loss and hearing aid technology. They can also provide free hearing aid trials so you can test out different technology options before making an investment.
So what can I do?
If you have not had a hearing test within the past several years, it’s time to act! With resources on www.hearing.org you can learn more about hearing health, technology available today, and the different types of licensed hearing professionals that can help you. You can even find a local professional to speak to. If you’re not quite ready to make the call, be sure watch the testimonial videos provided by licensed hearing professionals and patients with hearing loss. The videos can help prepare you for what to expect at a hearing care appointment and the show different reasons that have caused other people to act on their hearing loss.
Perhaps someone in your life has hearing loss. We invite you to share our messages with your family and friends! Become part of the effort to change health outcomes. Easy to share social media messages and videos can be downloaded for free on the Advocates page. Thank you for joining the Hear Well partners in sharing this important message!
Questions? Reach out to info@hearing.org
1 “The Hidden Risks of Hearing Loss.” Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/healthy_aging/healthy_body/the-hidden-risks-of-hearing-loss Accessed August 16, 2018.
2 Livingston G, Sommerlad A, Orgeta V, et al. Dementia prevention, intervention, and care. Lancet 2017; 390: 2673–734.
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