Better Hearing and Speech Month

May is Better Hearing and Speech Month

On Episode 10 of The Hearing Matters Podcast, Dr. Gregory Delfino, CCC-A and Blaise Delfino, M.S. - HIS celebrate Better Hearing and Speech Month.

Dr. Gregory Delfino, CCC-A and Blaise Delfino, M.S. - HIS work full time at Audiology Services with locations in Bethlehem, Nazareth, and East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. Audiology Services is a family owned and operated hearing healthcare clinic dedicated to reintroduce patients to a new hearing world.

Each May, Better Hearing & Speech Month (BHSM) provides an opportunity to raise awareness about communication disorders and the role of ASHA members in providing life-altering treatment. The BHSM theme for 2020 is "Communication at Work."

ASHA has revised its plans for BHSM to reflect the impact of the COVID-19 virus. All consumer/public resources will now be topical to the coronavirus and will feature guidance for preventing or managing communication disorders at this challenging time.

"Since 1927, the month of May has been dedicated as Better Hearing and Speech Month in the United States. Across the country, organizations dedicated to promoting hearing health join together, serving to not only bring awareness and understanding to hearing health but to shine a spotlight on the issues faced by those with hearing loss."

Common Signs of Hearing Loss

• Friends or family say you turn the television or radio up too loud
• You struggle to understand speech, especially in noisy environments
• You have difficulty hearing people on the phone
• You are not sure where sound is coming from, known as localization
• You often ask people to repeat themselves
• You find yourself avoiding social situations
• You feel exhaustion after attending social events

Why You Should Get Your Hearing Tested 

• A hearing test is painless and takes less than an hour. 
• Hearing loss may be an early warning sign or red flag for other health conditions including cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
• If your hearing test shows your hearing is normal, you can tell your friends to get off your back.
• The Mayo Clinic recommends baseline hearing tests for adults.
• Untreated hearing loss increases your chance of developing dementia.
• Most hearing clinics serve free cookies and coffee. 
• Untreated hearing loss increases your chances of falling.
• Treating hearing loss with hearing aids is proven to reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
• Untreated hearing loss is known to contribute to depression and social isolation.
• Hearing loss treatment has been shown to improve earning power.

What is an audiologist? 

Audiologists are experts who can help to prevent, diagnose, and treat hearing and balance disorders for people of all ages.

Audiologists provide professional and personalized services to improve persons' involvement in important activities in their lives and better their quality of life. Audiologists' services can help with managing issues effecting hearing and balance, including:

• Hearing Loss – Evaluate and treat hearing, balance, and tinnitus disorders.
• Hearing