4 Ways to Participate in Better Hearing and Speech Month
Beginning in May, Better Hearing and Speech Month (BHSM) is an opportunity to learn more about communication problems and evaluate the impact speech and hearing have on your life. BHSM is also a good reminder to consider the current health of your hearing, as well as your loved ones’.
Here are just a few ways you can participate in Better Hearing and Speech Month:
1. Educate Yourself on Communication Disorders
The chances are high that you or someone you know is experiencing a communication disorder, or more specifically, hearing loss. Approximately one in seven people in the United States have hearing loss in at least one ear. Understanding the causes and symptoms of hearing loss can help you be proactive in preserving your own hearing and help you become more empathetic towards those around you experiencing this.
2. Take Measures to Protect Your Hearing
Your ability to hear has a major impact on your overall health. Not only does it allow you to communicate with the world around you, but hearing loss is also linked to other health problems such as dementia. Steps to protect your hearing include:
- Lowering the volume of television and music
- Avoiding noisy areas
- Wearing hearing protection for loud activities
- Not sticking foreign objects in your ears
3. Get Your Hearing Tested
One of the best ways to take care of your hearing health is to get your hearing tested by a qualified hearing healthcare provider. Whether it’s to establish a baseline, or measure the progress of your hearing loss, knowing where your hearing stands can help you assess future changes and look at options for treatment.
4. Check On Your Loved Ones
Checking on your loved ones should be a priority throughout the whole year, but BHSM is a good reminder to specifically check on how they feel they’re connecting to you. Hearing loss can cause stress, depression, and anxiety. It can lead someone to feel isolated from the people around them, so having support from a loved one can help them.
Get ready for Better Hearing and Speech Month by taking steps to make your communication health a priority. Stay informed about the impact better hearing has on your life and protect your hearing for the long run.
Prepare for Better Hearing and Speech month by calling our office to schedule your hearing test today!