The team at Hearing Well Matters consists of experienced and licensed hearing health professionals who use state-of-the-art equipment and best practices to offer a wide range of services, including hearing assessments, hearing devices, tinnitus management, ear wax removal, custom earplugs, and more.
As Better Hearing Month approaches in May, Hearing Well Matters discusses the origins of the national monthly designation, and why hearing is so important.
May is celebrated as Better Hearing Month. The month-long campaign aims to raise awareness about hearing loss and the importance of its early detection and intervention. The origins of Better Hearing Month can be traced back to 1927 when the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA) was founded. Today, Better Hearing Month is observed not just in the U.S., but also in other countries around the world.
Why is focusing on hearing important? Unless the loss is sudden, such as due to an accident or explosion, most hearing loss is gradual. It is easy to ignore it or to put off treatment. However, the earlier hearing loss is addressed, the more options are available to address the condition.
Untreated hearing loss is the greatest modifiable risk for cognitive decline and dementia. Those with even mild hearing loss are three times more likely to suffer falls as those without. Additionally, hearing loss can impact our ability to communicate with others and participate in social activities. This can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, which can have negative effects on our mental health.
It is often family members who are the first to notice hearing loss.
Common signs of hearing loss include:
- having difficulty understanding speech in background noise,
- having difficulty hearing well from another room,
- often asking people to repeat themselves
- or having to listen to the TV at loud volume.
In some cases, hearing loss and tinnitus (ringing in the ears) can be caused by exposure to loud noises or certain medications, but they can also be a sign of more serious conditions like ear infections, tumors, or neurological disorders.
Hearing Well Matters’ owner and clinician, Rob Hamilton, has high frequency hearing loss himself and uses hearing devices. He and his team know first-hand what their patients are going through on a physical and emotional level when they come to the clinic to address their hearing loss issues.
Additionally, he and his team are passionate about supporting the communities of Burlington and Halton. They show this support through charitable partnerships with, and sponsorships of, local sports and social clubs, several seniors’ residences and local festivals such as the Sound of Music and Burlington RibFest.
This May, remember to celebrate Better Hearing Month, but also be sure to take care of your hearing all year long.
Learn more by visiting Hearing Well Matters! online, on Facebook and YouTube.
Click here for a free hearing aid guide and here for a free quick online hearing screening.
