Posted May 13, 2019

 

May is National Better Hearing and Speech Month

Each May, Better Hearing and Speech Month (BHSM) provides an opportunity to raise awareness about communication disorders and our role in providing life-altering treatment.

For 2019, the theme is "Communication Across the Lifespan."

And Randolph Health Ear Nose & Throat and Randolph Health Medical Group are happy to celebrate and provide awareness for this theme this year, and to help in every way we can!

Hearing loss is one of the most prevalent chronic health conditions facing older adults. Unfortunately, only about 20 to 30% of people who could benefit from treatment actually seek help. Untreated hearing loss is associated with depression and social isolation, fatigue, and even earlier onset of dementia than in individuals with no hearing loss. Treatment can significantly improve quality of life both for the person suffering from hearing loss and for his or her significant other. In children and teens, hearing loss is increasingly common. One concern is noise-induced hearing loss caused by unsafe listening to personal tech devices such as mp3 players, smartphones, or tablets. Early diagnosis is critical, as even mild hearing loss can impact a child’s development and lead to academic and social difficulties.

Speech and language disorders are among the most common conditions in children. A number of recent studies have shown that these disorders are on the rise in the United States. Untreated communication disorders can lead to problems with reading, writing, learning, and overall academic achievement. They also may lead to problems with social skills. Early detection is the key to a shorter, more effective, and less expensive course of treatment. Ideally, treatment begins long before a child enters school, so parents should not delay if they have concerns. However, treatment at any age is critical.

During the Better Hearing and Speech Month this May, and throughout the year, Randolph Health Ear, Nose & Throat and Randolph Health Medical Group would like to thank the audiologists and speech-language pathologists who work tirelessly to bring better hearing and speech to those individuals who are affected by communication disorders.

According to Chelsea Carter-Ellis, one of the Audiologists at Randolph Health Ear Nose & Throat, signs it is time for a hearing evaluation include:
 

• Feel like other people are mumbling

• Difficulty understanding people in a noisy room or on the telephone

• Trouble following conversations or keeping up in meetings and social gatherings

• Asking people to repeat themselves

• Ringing, buzzing, or hissing noises in the ears (tinnitus)

• Hearing better with one ear than the other

• Significant exposure to loud noises such as gunfire or machinery

• A history of relatives (by birth) who have known hearing loss

• A sudden change in hearing is always a sign

Call Randolph Health Ear Nose & Throat today at 336-625-1007 for more information or to schedule an appointment to have you or your child examined.