October is a month dedicated to raising awareness about hearing loss and promoting the importance of protecting our hearing. Audiology Awareness Month and National Protect Your Hearing Month are both celebrated in October, making it the perfect time to focus on our hearing health and spread the word about how to protect our ears.
Audiology Awareness Month is an opportunity to highlight the crucial role audiologists play in our lives. These professionals are more than experts in hearing aids and cochlear implants – they are our partners in navigating the challenges that come with hearing loss. Audiologists help us to understand our hearing health, providing essential tools for communication, and advocate for our needs. For those who haven’t yet taken the step to see an audiologist, this month serves as a reminder of the importance of regular hearing appointments. Hearing loss can be gradual; many people don’t realize they have a problem. Regular hearing evaluations can catch issues early, allowing for timely interventions that can significantly improve quality of life.
National Protect Your Hearing Month is all about prevention. Our world is noisy – from concerts, loud workplaces, and the use of earbuds, our ears are expose to a lot of loud sounds. Noise-induced hearing loss is a growing concern, and one of the ways to address it is through awareness and protection. This month, take a moment to evaluate your surroundings and listening habits. Are you around loud levels of noise? Do you use hearing protection in loud environments? Small changes, such as lowering the volume on your device or wearing earplugs when going to a concert, can make a big difference in protecting your hearing.
How to celebrate hearing health:
- Schedule a hearing test: If you haven’t had a hearing test in the last year, now is the time.
- Spread the word: Share information about hearing loss and the importance of hearing protection.
- Protect your ears: Invest in hearing protection and make it a habit to use it when around noise (e.g., mowing the lawn, attending a concert).
- Support your community: Participate in events that promote hearing health. The San Diego Walk4Hearing is on October 26.
Sources:
Last year’s: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/blog/2023/10/05/world-noisy-protect-your-hearing
