Don’t Miss Out on the Important Sounds of Life
An estimated 28 million Americans have hearing loss. If you, a friend or loved one is among them, help is available. Every May since 1927, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association has used the month of May as a time to encourage Americans to get their hearing tested and determine if they have a hearing loss. Do you…
- Frequently ask people to repeat themselves?
- Often turn your ear toward a sound to hear it better?
- Understand people better while wearing your glasses? (Lip-reading)
- Lose your place in group conversations?
- Keep the volume of your radio or TV at a level others say is too loud?
- Have pain or ringing in your ears?
- Notice that some sounds remain clear while others may seem fuzzy? (Frequently women’s and children’s high-pitched voices)
“People who relate to these statements should see an ASHA-certified audiologist for a comprehensive hearing evaluation,” according to Dr. Leslie Crawford, Audiologist at Birmingham Speech and Hearing Associates (BSHA). “Even a slight hearing loss may have an impact on your daily life. Hearing loss is treatable; there is no reason for anyone to miss all the important sounds of life.”
Audiologists are professionals specializing in the prevention, identification, assessment, and treatment of hearing disorders. They provide properly-fitted hearing aids and other assistive listening devices which benefit people with hearing loss in hearing all significant sounds including speech and important environmental signals. An annual hearing checkup is a good idea for most people age 45 and up. Children at risk for hearing loss, such as chronic ear infections or having a family history of hearing loss, should be screened as frequently as needed to ensure that they are hearing well to facilitate normal speech and language development.
Hearing loss has many causes and often occurs slowly when associated with aging. Hearing loss caused by exposure to noise is entirely preventable. BSHA strongly advises that people use noise-canceling headphones or ear plugs when they are exposed to noisy environments or activities.
-Cynthia J. Serota, Dir., Dr. Leslie J Crawford, AuD, Dr. Jill A. Byrd, AuD
Birmingham Speech & Hearing Associates
4 Office Park Circle Suite 301, Birmingham, 35223
205- 871-3878, www.birminghamspeechandhearing.com
