October is audiology awareness month! The American Academy of Audiology designates the month of October as a time to inform the public on the importance of hearing protection and overall hearing health. Audiologists all over the world are working hard during October to help patients and the public understand how to prevent hearing loss and how to recognize the signs of impairment.
This month, take some time to appreciate the audiologists in your life and share the importance of evaluating, treating, and preventing hearing loss. Here are some facts about hearing loss everyone should know and some helpful audiology awareness resources.
What Causes Hearing Loss?
Over 36 million American adults currently experience hearing loss. Excessive noise exposure is known as the most common contributor to hearing loss. In extreme cases, a single loud noise can cause instant permanent damage, but this is not a typical case. Most of the time hearing loss is impacted by noises exposed over time, the average level of that noise and at what level they peak.
The industries that experience excessive noise the most are the industrial, construction, and military fields, but exposure to loud noise is more common than you think. Over time, experiences with power tools, lawn care equipment, motorbikes, live sporting events, and concerts all contribute to your hearing health. If you have a family history of hearing loss, take precautions early and talk to an audiologist about how you can monitor your hearing.
Fact Sheets
Fact sheets prepared by the American Academy of Audiology serve as an educational tool during Audiology Awareness Month.
Posters
These posters are available in multiple sizes and are perfect for your office, school, or community center. Making sure people are thinking about their hearing health should be a priority all year long, not just in October.
Presentations
The American Academy of Audiology has developed presentations on audiology and hearing protection as a resource for anyone to use. These presentations were prepared to teach students of all ages, physicians of any specialty, parents, and seniors on the field of audiology and the facts on hearing loss.
Research
The field of audiology is growing by the day. With an aging population in America is it more important than ever to continue researching the effects of hearing loss and how technology can improve patients’ quality of life.
Preventing Noise-Induced Occupational Hearing Loss
Best Practice Guidelines for Adult Patients with Hearing Loss
Review of Health-Related Quality of Life and Hearing Aids
New Technologies
Technology is constantly improving the quality of hearing assistive devices and the lives of those patients with any degree of hearing loss. Here are a few resources on the newest developments in hearing aid technology.
Top 5 Trends in Hearing Aid Technology
High-Rated Hearing Aids for 2017
Consumer Reports – Hearing Aids
We hope these resources give you the tools you need to spread the word about audiology awareness and educate people on their hearing health. If you are experiencing signs of hearing loss or are concerned about a loved one’s hearing, make an appointment with one of our doctoral-level audiologists near you and get tested!
