The Importance of Better Hearing

Human hearing may be picking up and processing all the sounds in our surroundings, even when we aren’t aware of it.“

It has been said that communication is the foundation of relationships. Without good hearing health, communication may be challenging. With May being Better Hearing and Speech Month, let’s dig into the importance of good hearing health, and what can be done to keep your ears functioning in tip top shape! 

Benefits of Healthy Hearing: 

• Ability to successfully communicate – eliminates the frustration of missing out on conversations or being isolated from social interactions 
• Can have a positive benefit on brain functioning and memory 
• Supports independence and security 

As with many things, there is a chance that your hearing health may decline over time. Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) gradually occurs as we grow older, and there is no research to suggest it can be prevented. Noise-induced hearing, however, can be preventable. There are certain things, like listening to music that is too loud, that can contribute to hearing loss. If the loss is substantial and goes untreated, it can result in a decreased quality of life. Untreated hearing loss has also been linked to sadness, depression, anxiety, cognitive decline, and poor social relationships. 

What are some of the common signs of hearing loss? 

• Repeatedly asking people to repeat what they say 
• Feeling like others are always mumbling or not speaking clearly 
• Difficulty hearing and understanding speech in noisy environments 
• Missing words or phrases on the telephone 
• Turning the volume up on the television or radio louder than normal 
• Tinnitus, ringing, or buzzing sounds 

It’s not too late to take the right steps to protect your hearing and reduce your risk for hearing loss. 

Tips to Keep Your Hearing Healthy: 

• Wear earplugs, protective earmuffs, or noise-canceling headphones around loud noises, such as live music or construction noise 
• Turn down the volume of the TV, radio, or music – remember, if you need to shout, the sound is too loud! 
• Have your hearing tested regularly 
• Take headphone breaks. When you use headphones, keep the volume down 
• Check medication side effects 

If you exhibit any of the symptoms mentioned above, or want to learn more about what you can do to help keep your hearing in tip top shape, please contact the Functional Pathways Therapy Team for guidance.