Building a strong foundation through better hearing

Each May, Speech-Language-Hearing Month provides an opportunity to raise awareness about communication disorders and the role of American Speech-Language-Hearing Association members providing life-altering treatment. The theme for 2024 is “Building A Strong Foundation.”

Hearing is the foundation for effective communication, strong relationships and healthy brain function. For many people, communication is difficult because of hearing loss or speech conditions. In fact, more than 48 million people in the U.S. experience some degree of hearing loss, and 1 in 10 Americans have some type of communication disorder. 

Hearing affects communication

Hearing loss makes it difficult not only to process the sounds around you, but to clearly understand speech. When your brain is working hard to fill in the gaps of a conversation due to hearing loss, you may feel exceptionally tired after interacting with people. This can lead to withdrawal, social isolation and depression.

How to take care of your hearing

Preserving your hearing is a crucial part of taking care of your overall health. Follow these tips to be proactive about your hearing health:

• Avoid loud noise exposure.
• Wear hearing protection when sounds exceed 85 decibels.
• Avoid sticking objects in your ears.
• Schedule regular hearing exams.

Early identification and intervention for hearing loss is important. Many people live with unidentified hearing loss, often failing to realize they are missing certain sounds and words.

Educate yourself 

There is a lot to learn about hearing loss and communication disorders. To normalize and decrease the stigma surrounding hearing loss, it’s important to spread awareness. Check out www.asha.org to learn more.

Be proactive during Speech-Language-Hearing Month by taking care of your hearing. Call M.D. Steer Speech, Language and Hearing Clinics today at 765-494-3789 to schedule a hearing exam.