Hearing loss affects approximately 15% of U.S. adults. Because hearing loss is considered an invisible condition, you may not be aware of the people in your life living with it. Taking time in 2024 to learn about and engage with hearing loss is one way you can help lessen its invisibility. Two opportunities to engage with hearing loss this year include:
- World Hearing Day (March 3rd): The World Health Organization initiated World Hearing Day to promote ear and hearing care and prevent hearing loss.
- National Speech-Language-Hearing Month (May): ASHA’s month-long campaign aims to raise awareness about speech disorders and prioritize hearing health.
Let’s look at a few ways you can engage with hearing loss during these events.
Learn About Hearing Loss
Hearing loss often goes unnoticed until it significantly impacts our everyday lives. The condition varies in severity, from mild hearing loss to complete deafness, and can affect one or both ears.
- Prevalence. Hearing loss is more common than you may think. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 1.5 billion people (nearly 20% of the global population) live with hearing loss.
- Common causes of hearing loss. Various factors, such as aging, exposure to loud noise, genetics, excess earwax, physical damage to the ear, ear infections, ototoxic medication and bone growths or tumors in the ear, can cause hearing loss. While it may not be possible to prevent every cause of hearing loss, early recognition of its symptoms can help minimize its effects.
- Tips for maintaining healthy hearing. Simple practices can go a long way in maintaining hearing health. These include avoiding prolonged exposure to loud noises without hearing protection, scheduling regular hearing tests, taking care of ear hygiene and being mindful of the possible side effects of ototoxic medications (medications that cause damage to the hearing mechanisms of the inner ear).
Promoting Audiology Awareness
Raising awareness is an important part of hearing loss engagement. Raising awareness fosters understanding, empathy and action. As part of your 2024 hearing loss engagement goal, consider these strategies to spread the word:
- Share information about hearing loss events. Use your social media platforms, emails or personal connections to inform your circle about the significance of World Hearing Day and National Speech-Language-Hearing Month.
- Recommend websites, articles and videos. There are numerous online resources dedicated to hearing health and hearing loss. Direct the people in your life to reputable websites, articles and videos that cover a broad spectrum of audiology topics, from understanding different types of hearing loss to practical advice on communication and technology assistance. If you’re unsure where to start, try sharing a few of our blogs!
To learn more about hearing loss or to schedule a hearing test, contact Ear, Nose & Throat Consultants today to make an appointment with one of our specialists.