As the leaves turn golden and the air crisps up, October brings more than just pumpkin spice lattes and Halloween festivities. It’s also National Audiology Awareness Month, a time dedicated to spotlighting the crucial field of audiology and the importance of hearing health. Sponsored by the American Academy of Audiology, this observance aims to educate the public about hearing loss, prevention strategies, and the vital role audiologists play in our lives.

Hearing, a vital sense, links us to the world through dialogue, music, and nature’s gentle sounds. Yet, it’s often taken for granted until problems arise. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), about 1 in 8 people in the United States aged 12 or older—roughly 30 million individuals—experience hearing loss in both ears. This number jumps to over 50 million when including those with any degree of hearing impairment. Alarmingly, projections indicate that by 2060, this could rise to more than 73 million Americans. Among older adults, the prevalence is even higher: nearly two-thirds of those over 70 face some level of hearing difficulty.

What causes hearing loss? Age-related decline, known as presbycusis, is common, but noise exposure is a major preventable factor. October also coincides with National Protect Your Hearing Month, emphasizing the risks of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Everyday activities like attending concerts, using power tools, or listening to headphones at high volumes can damage the delicate hair cells in our inner ears, leading to permanent loss. Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, affects millions more, often as a companion to hearing issues.

Your Las Vegas Audiologists are the heroes in this story. These specialized healthcare professionals diagnose, treat, and manage hearing and balance disorders. From conducting comprehensive hearing tests to fitting advanced hearing aids and cochlear implants, they help restore quality of life. During Audiology Awareness Month, many clinics offer free screenings or educational events to encourage early intervention. Early detection is key—untreated hearing loss has been linked to cognitive decline, social isolation, and even depression.

So, how can you protect your hearing this October and beyond? Here are some practical tips:

• Use ear protection: Wear earplugs or earmuffs in noisy environments, like concerts or construction sites.
• Follow the 60/60 rule: Listen to personal audio devices at no more than 60% volume for no longer than 60 minutes at a time.
• Get regular check-ups: Adults should have a baseline hearing test by age 50, or earlier if exposed to loud noises.
• Maintain ear hygiene: Avoid inserting objects like cotton swabs into your ears, which can cause damage.
• Monitor medications: Some drugs are ototoxic; consult your doctor about potential side effects.

By incorporating these habits, you can safeguard your hearing and enjoy life’s symphony for years to come.

This October, let’s amplify the message: Hearing health matters. Schedule a hearing evaluation, share awareness graphics on social media, or simply turn down the volume. Your ears—and your future self—will thank you. For more resources, visit the American Academy of Audiology website. Together, we can turn up the volume on awareness and turn down the risks.

In our pursuit of maintaining good health, regular medical check-ups have become a familiar routine. We’re accustomed to yearly physicals, dental appointments, and eye tests. However, hearing health usually flies under the radar. Compared to other aspects of health, we tend to give less thought to our hearing.

This tendency can be traced back to the common belief that hearing loss is an inevitable aspect of aging, something that everyone will encounter eventually. While hearing loss is common, it’s not a certainty as you age. Some individuals maintain excellent hearing well into their later years.

Despite not intentionally neglecting it, hearing tends to be overlooked by many. This isn’t due to a deliberate oversight but rather a lack of awareness about the recommended frequency of hearing tests. Additionally, not enough healthcare professionals emphasize the significance of routine hearing checkups.

Now, the frequency of getting your hearing tested depends on your age. Newborn hearing screenings are performed, and regular check-ups during childhood are standard practice. According to the guidelines from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), healthy adults between 18 and 40, who don’t exhibit notable hearing loss, should consider having their hearing assessed every three to five years. For individuals falling into specific categories, more frequent hearing tests are recommended:

• Individuals aged 60 and above commonly experience presbycusis, also known as age-related hearing loss. As we grow older, the cumulative harm to the hair cells in the inner ear becomes more noticeable, specifically affecting the ability to comprehend high-frequency consonant sounds. By the age of 65, one in three people encounters presbycusis. To ensure timely detection and management, it’s advisable for all adults starting from the age of 60 to undergo annual hearing tests, irrespective of whether they are exhibiting symptoms or not.

 

• Individuals with regular exposure to loud noises are also at risk. Noise-induced hearing loss is nearly as prevalent as presbycusis and can affect people across all age groups. Those who frequently encounter loud environments face an increased likelihood of enduring permanent hearing damage. If you find yourself frequently exposed to noisy settings, it’s advisable to undergo an annual hearing check to monitor and address any potential issues.

 

• Individuals experiencing hearing loss might find this counterintuitive, but regardless of whether you’ve been diagnosed with hearing loss and utilize hearing aids, it’s of heightened significance to undergo regular hearing assessments. Even with hearing aids, as your hearing evolves, it’s important to keep your treatment current to maximize its efficacy. For these patients, an annual hearing test is recommended.

As we diligently work to safeguard our overall health, it’s necessary to cast a light on hearing health. Amid the annual routines of medical check-ups, dental care, and eye examinations, our ears deserve their share of attention. This isn’t about intentional neglect; it’s about raising awareness. By understanding the significance of regular hearing assessments, we set forth on a complete journey toward overall well-being. It’s time to include “hearing check-up” in our list of health priorities and ensure every facet of our well-being receives the consideration it deserves.

Please schedule your hearing assessment / checkup with Southern Nevada Audiology today! Learn more about the advancements in modern hearing aids.