Kentuckians urged to get their hearing checked during National Better Speech-Language-Hearing Month

By Melissa Patrick
Kentucky Health News

Approximately 700,000 Kentuckians of all ages experience some degree of hearing loss, and Gov. Andy Beshear and the Kentucky Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing are encouraging people to learn the signs of hearing loss and get their hearing checked.  National Better Speech-Language-Hearing Month is recognized in May every year.

“Now is a great time to make an appointment to have a professional check your hearing or a loved one’s hearing,” Beshear said in a news release. “Don’t put it off; it’s never too early.”

According to the release, it takes the average person about seven years from the time they think they have a hearing loss until they seek treatment. That’s because it can happen gradually from aging, loud noises or other causes.

Signs of hearing loss in adults include:

Other reasons to get your hearing checked, starting at age 50, include a family history of hearing loss and a history of noise exposure. Research shows that hearing loss treated at that age can help slow the onset or progression of dementia.

Any of these signs warrant getting your hearing checked by a health care provider or licensed audiologist to assess the degree of your hearing loss, treat it and develop a plan to prevent further loss.

“Sadly, many people live with hearing loss for years before seeking help, which can have serious consequences,” Anita Dowd, executive director of the Commission, said in the release. “Regular hearing evaluations are essential. Untreated hearing loss can impact every part of a person’s life, from mental health and job performance to personal relationships and cognitive health, including a higher risk of early dementia.”

Dowd also emphasized the importance of protecting hearing at every age, especially among children and teens.

According to the Hearing Loss Association of America, 12.5% of individuals between ages 6 and 19 have measurable hearing loss from unsafe earbud use. The Commission notes that early detection and intervention in this age group are key. Hearing loss in children can lead to delays in speech and language development, affect academic success and hinder social and emotional growth.

“Noise-induced hearing loss is entirely preventable, but we’re seeing it more frequently in younger people due to extended exposure to loud sounds,” she said. “Parents should pay close attention to how their children use earbuds and headphones. Listening to music and playing video games at high volumes can cause long-term damage. A good rule of thumb: If you can hear what they’re listening to through their earbuds, the volume is too loud and could be causing permanent hearing damage.”

The Commission offers fact sheets about hearing loss in different demographics on its website with an interactive map that shows how many people in your county have hearing loss.