One of the most common misconceptions about hearing loss is that if you can still hear, the impairment is not as serious or does not need to be addressed soon. This misconception often leads to a delay in treatment which contributes to why hearing loss tends to be underdiagnosed. In fact, the average person waits up to 7 years after …
Check Your Hearing This November for American Diabetes Month
November marks American Diabetes Month, a national campaign focused on raising awareness about diabetes. Over 34 million people in the U.S. live with diabetes, a metabolic disorder that affects how the body makes or uses insulin. Diabetes can increase health risks including increasing the risk of developing hearing loss. A recent study shows that people with diabetes can be more …
October is Protect Your Hearing Month
National Protect Your Hearing Month is observed every October by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD). The goal is to raise awareness of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and its causes. The majority of people are unaware of how much irreversible harm loud noises cause to the ears. According to findings from hearing tests conducted by experts …
What Does It Mean to Have “Normal” Hearing?
Do you find that you struggle to hear people more and more these days? Having to ask people to repeat themselves or misunderstanding them is frustrating and can cause distance in your relationships over time. It may also indicate you have hearing loss. However, the best way to know for sure is to schedule a hearing exam. Ideally, your hearing …
Supporting a Loved One with Hearing Loss
Each experience of hearing loss is unique. If you ask one person what they have trouble hearing, they might point to the voices of children and toddlers. These voices tend to be in a higher range of frequency, and they can be quieter, as well. Others will say that they can’t understand one person talking in a crowd. Still, others …
Know Alzheimer’s Disease: Treat Hearing Loss in September during World Alzheimer’s Month
World Alzheimer’s Month was launched in 2012, making this September the 10th anniversary celebration. World Alzheimer’s Month is a month-long international campaign by Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) to advocate, raise awareness and challenge the stigma that surrounds Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. WHO estimates that worldwide, over 50 million people have dementia, and nearly 10 million new cases are reported every year. What have …
Current & Former Smokers May Be at Higher Risk for Hearing Loss
Studies show that current and former smokers can experience an increased risk of developing hearing loss. Hearing loss is one of the most pervasive medical conditions, impacting an estimated 48 million people. Impaired hearing reduces a person’s capacity to absorb and process sound which produces a range of symptoms that affect daily life. Hearing loss strains communication, relationships, social engagement, …
How Virtual Assistants Can Assist Those with Hearing Loss
Virtual assistants are a form of voice-based technology that is used to provide digital assistance. They function by recognizing a person’s speech and performing a particular task articulated vocally using artificial intelligence (and machine learning). These devices are primarily used to answer questions and carry out commands such as opening a particular app, getting directions, making a phone call, or …
May is Better Hearing and Speech Month
Better Hearing and Speech Month has arrived with the arrival of spring! The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and several other allied organizations will use the month of May to raise awareness about communication disorders, provide information, and lead efforts to improve hearing health. The theme for this year is “Building Connections.” Building Connections in Communities One key area for building …
Studies Show Higher Rates of Hearing Loss for People with Diabetes
Diabetes and hearing loss are among the most common health conditions that people experience. According to the American Diabetes Association, more than 34 million people have diabetes. Additionally, nearly 48 million people experience some degree of hearing loss in one or both ears. Research has shown that there is overlap between these chronic medical conditions. Studies have revealed that people …