Being human is all about communicating. We talk to our loved ones, we meet our friends for drinks, and we socialize with our coworkers. But if you’re one of the nearly 40 million Americans suffering from hearing loss, you risk losing it all. That’s why May is Better Speech and Hearing month, a time to evaluate your hearing health and make positive changes. Recognizing your hearing loss and choosing to wear hearing devices improves communication, restores connections, and repairs relationships.
Better Speech and Hearing Month
Each May since 1927, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) has worked to raise awareness about speech and hearing problems, encouraging people to take a hard look at their hearing health, and act to improve their health and wellbeing. This year’s theme is Communication for All, focusing on the importance of clear communication, and helping people recognize the role of communication in quality of life.
Don’t Let Hearing Loss Damage Your Relationships
When it comes to relationships, it’s all about communication. No one knows that better than Phyllis G. Pisa, a senior with a second chance at love. She married a few years ago when she was 67 years old, and she was ready to spend many happy years with her husband. That was until her hearing loss started to come between them. At first, she was only missing a word here or there, but soon her gaps in hearing became more obvious, creating an insurmountable communication barrier. “The first year of marriage is supposed to be the honeymoon phase,” said Phyllis, “but my lovely new marriage was crumbling due to my not hearing my husband’s voice, and communication was becoming more and more difficult.”
Phyllis says hearing aids turned her life around. After getting fitted for a pair of digital in-the-ear hearing devices, she got a whole new lease on life. “My world of hearing changed immediately,” she said. “Not only could I hear my husband’s voice and those of others, but I could sit out on the porch and hear the birds and squirrels chirping! Life was alive to me again!”
Don’t Let Hearing Loss Affect Your Work
Another place where communication is key is in the workplace. If you’re struggling to hear at work you may be looked over for promotion, become a safety hazard for everyone else on the jobsite, or even lose your job! Take it from Win Whittaker, a man with a lot of talent. He took 3 of his interests, movies, music, and mountain climbing, and turned them into a great business doing what he loves. However, when his hearing started to deteriorate, he knew he was in trouble. “I sometimes would have to ask a client to repeat a question,” said Win Whittaker, and “it started to become very noticeable.” Win made the decision to get hearing aids and worked with an audiologist to find the perfect pair that he could wear when hiking. He finally chose a pair of digital hearing aids that could be controlled from his phone, and even with his watch! He can stream phone calls, audio, and music directly to his hearing devices, no matter where he is. He hearing aids also have advanced programs that minimize wind noise, so he has no trouble hearing when he’s up a mountain.
Whittaker wasn’t going to go with a subtle option and chose to wear bright red hearing devices. The reason? “I’m flaunting them!” said Whittaker, happy to be hearing clearly and communicating easily at work.
Don’t let hearing loss hold you back or keep you from communicating. Visit us at the nearest My Hearing Centers location for a hearing assessment and join us in participating in Better Speech and Hearing Month. You’ll be amazed at the difference hearing devices can make in your relationships, your work, and your life. We have a wide range of hearing devices from the world’s leading hearing aid brands that come in a variety of styles and models to fit your lifestyle. With an endless selection of programs and settings tailored to fit your unique hearing needs, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to hear in any listening environment.
Don’t let hearing loss keep you from communicating, and visit us this month to start your journey towards hearing health.