ST. LOUIS (PRWEB)
March 03, 2020

In 2007, the World Health Organization designated March 3 as World Hearing Health Day in order to raise awareness of the growing numbers of those suffering from hearing loss and the importance of hearing health care.

Associated Hearing Professionals and The American Academy of Audiology are focused on educating the public about hearing loss and the impact it has on quality of life. We are grateful that this awareness day was created to shine a light on the significance of hearing loss.

“Noise-induced hearing loss is a preventable and significant factor,” said Dr. Margaret Fritsch Juelich, audiologist. Associated Hearing Professionals and a member of the American Academy of Audiology. “This growing health problem is often unrecognized in U.S. adults, adolescents and children and it leads to a long list of problems including depression, isolation, academic delays, impaired communication and cognitive decline. In 2013, a study from the Johns Hopkins Center of Aging and Health concluded that those with untreated hearing loss showed a faster decline in cognition (brain function) than normal hearing individuals. Untreated hearing loss can also cause an increase in cognitive load, and this can lead to anxiety.

The many consequences of untreated hearing loss lead to social isolation and that contributes to depression and a decrease in brain stimulation. Treating hearing loss allows people to become more engaged socially and social engagement is considered one of the most important factors affecting quality of life.

While age is still the greatest factor in hearing loss, many younger people also experience hearing problems due to exposure to loud music and noises including occupational noise. Among adults aged 70 and older with hearing loss who could benefit from hearing aids, fewer than one in three (30 percent) has ever used them. With adults aged 20 to 69 only approximately 16 percent of those who would benefit from hearing aids have ever used them.

“Audiologists diagnose and treat hearing loss,” Dr. Juelich explained. “Anyone suspecting a hearing issue should see an audiologist who will perform a series of tests to determine the problem, if there is one, and will then recommend treatment.”

Some signs of hearing loss may include:

• Having to turn up the volume of the television, radio, or stereo and having other family members complain that the volume is too loud.
• Difficulty understanding people speaking to you and asking people to repeat themselves.
• Difficulty with phone conversations and understanding the other person.
• Sudden inability to hear the door bell, the dog barking, and other household sounds.
• People telling you that you speak too loudly.
• Ringing in the ears.

School-aged children with hearing loss will sometimes exhibit poor school performance because they can’t understand the teacher assignments or classroom interactions. If hearing loss has been present from a young age, they often don’t recognize the loss and can’t identify the problem.

The audiologists of Associated Hearing Professionals are passionate about improving quality of life through better hearing. A mild hearing loss is not a mild problem. Untreated hearing loss has a significant impact on overall health and interactions with family, friends and co-workers. Improve your hearing, improve your health and improve your happiness!

The American Academy of Audiology is the world’s largest professional organization of, by and for audiologists. The active membership of more than 12,000 is dedicated to providing quality hearing care services through professional development, education, research, and increased public awareness of hearing and balance disorders. To find an audiologist, go to http://www.audiology.org/FindAnAudiologist.

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