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April Showers Bring May Awareness

, /PRNewswire/ -- As the month of April comes to a close, the International Hearing Society (IHS) is preparing to celebrate May as Better Hearing Month. This year marks the centennial year of May being the month to spark awareness to the public and empower those who are experiencing hearing loss. This awareness is becoming more important than ever as the World Health Organization (WHO) projects one in four people globally will be living with hearing loss by the year 2050.¹ Furthermore, in a 2023 survey conducted by The Harris Poll, it was reported that 64% of U.S. adults aged 50 years and older report having experienced hearing difficulty, but only 14% have tried hearing aids and nearly a quarter have never had a formal hearing test.²

IHS President Michael Andreozzi, BS, BC-HIS, said, "Scheduling regular hearing tests is crucial for early detection and intervention of hearing loss. IHS invites people to utilize the Find-A-Provider tool on our website, which will connect you with a licensed Hearing Aid Specialist in your area."

Taking that first step to addressing hearing health is an important one, and one that deserves to be celebrated. However, what many fail to realize about waiting to address their hearing loss is how interconnected hearing health is to your overall health, physical safety, and quality of life. The same survey conducted by the Harris Poll found that one in four Americans aged 50 years and older do not recognize that hearing health can impact overall health. IHS encourages early intervention to delay the onset of other concerning health conditions like social isolation, depression/anxiety, cognitive decline, and dementia.

Are you currently questioning if what you're experiencing could be hearing loss? A good start would be to ask yourself the following questions³:

Do I hear better in one ear?
Do I have trouble following conversations, including in loud environments and on the phone?
Do I need a higher volume when using electronic devices?
Do I have trouble hearing voices clearly?
Do I have difficulty hearing higher voices and high-pitched sounds?
Do I experience dizziness, pain, or ringing in my ears?
Do I have trouble hearing on the phone?

If the answer to any of these questions is 'yes,' do not hesitate—utilize the Find a Provider tool on the IHS website, and get started on your hearing journey. Although it may be daunting to admit you have hearing loss, addressing it now can pay dividends for your future.

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About the International Hearing Society: The International Hearing Society (IHS) is a membership association that represents hearing healthcare professionals worldwide, including hearing aid specialists. IHS members are engaged in the practice of performing hearing assessments, selecting, fitting, and dispensing hearing instruments, counseling patients, and providing aftercare services. Founded in 1951, IHS protects, represents, and promotes the interests of hearing healthcare and hearing healthcare professionals. For more information visit www.ihsinfo.org.

SOURCE International Hearing Society