Better Hearing Month

May is Better Hearing & Speech Month (BHSM)—a time to raise awareness about hearing loss, encourage regular hearing screenings, and share ways to protect and improve your hearing. Whether you're already living with hearing aids or have never thought much about your ear health, now is the perfect time to listen closely… to your ears!

Why Hearing Health Matters

Hearing is something many of us take for granted—until we start missing pieces of the conversation, asking people to repeat themselves, or turning up the volume a little too high. Hearing loss doesn’t just affect your ears—it can impact your relationships, your work, your mental health, and even your safety.

Did you know?

• About 1 in 8 people in the U.S. aged 12 and older has hearing loss in both ears.

• Untreated hearing loss is linked to cognitive decline, social isolation, and depression.

• On average, people wait 7 to 10 years before seeking help for hearing loss.

Hearing Exam

Signs You Might Need a Hearing Check

It might be time to schedule a hearing screening if you:

• Often ask people to repeat themselves

• Have trouble hearing in noisy environments

• Turn up the TV or radio louder than others prefer

• Feel like people are mumbling

• Avoid social situations due to hearing difficulties

Protect Your Hearing

Whether you have perfect hearing or are already using aids, here are a few simple ways to protect your ears:

•  Keep the volume under 60% when using headphones.

•  Use earplugs in loud environments like concerts, construction sites, or while mowing the lawn.

• Give your ears rest after prolonged exposure to noise.

•  Regular hearing tests are key, especially if you're over 50 or exposed to loud sounds frequently.

Take Action This Month

Better Hearing Month is the perfect time to:

• Book a hearing test

• Encourage a loved one to get screened

• Support organizations and audiologists who make a difference