Better Hearing & Speech Month is an annual occasion designed to raise awareness of hearing loss and speech problems. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) created Better Hearing & Speech Month in 1927, and President Reagan issued a formal proclamation designating May as the official month in 1986. The goal of Better Hearing & Speech Month is to encourage people to take action if they believe there might be a problem with their hearing or speech.
Hearing loss is common. An estimated 48 million Americans suffer from it and this is a number that continues to grow as the condition increasingly affects a younger demographic. One out of three adults 65 and older experiences some degree of hearing loss; by 75, that number jumps to one out of two. Other factors that contribute to hearing loss include ear infections, impacted earwax and ototoxic medications.
Hearing evaluations are the best way to detect hearing loss early. It is important to identify problems before they worsen and recommend treatment to those who might otherwise suffer debilitating social and emotional effects of hearing loss, including depression, isolation, memory loss and cognitive decline.
Hearing loss is not just a condition that affects older people. Hearing is the cornerstone of a child’s language and social skills; any degree of hearing loss can result in developmental delays. Early detection can ensure a child develops at a normal rate alongside their peers.
At Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Clinic, our Audiology team provides comprehensive hearing evaluations for patients of all ages and they can also monitor patients’ hearing and investigate the need for hearing devices. The team includes audiologists: Pattie Visscher, Au.D., CCC-A, our newest addition, Shayln Ballew, Au.D., CCC-A and our audiology office coordinator, Sonia Coleman, who all work closely with Dr. Cheryl Varner, the otolaryngologist at the ENT clinic. Please join us in raising awareness and promoting healthy hearing!
To find out more about our Ear, Nose and Throat practice and Audiology services, click here. https://www.sheridanhospital.org/medical-services/clinics/ear-nose-throat/