May is Better Hearing Month, an annual event recognized by hearing professionals and organizations each year to raises awareness about hearing loss, and promotes screening and treatment.

With 3 out of 10 people over 60 impacted by hearing loss, making it is the third most common health condition among older Americans. All in all, an estimated 36 million people in the United States have hearing loss to some degree, but only 23 percent of those who could benefit from hearing aids, actually use them.

Yet, various studies have demonstrated that while untreated hearing loss can cause feelings of isolation and depression, amplification provided by hearing aids not only improves the overall quality of life, but also safety, relationships and earning power.

Common signs of hearing loss consist of the following:

• Turning TV or radio up louder than previously
• Find you are missing parts of conversations while in a group setting
• You can hear but can't always clearly understand all the words spoken
• Asking people to repeat what they say
• Perception of persons mumbling or sounding muffled, especially females and/or children
• Difficulty hearing speech in background noise

If you suspect you may have hearing loss, the first step is a comprehensive hearing test by a qualified hearing professional. Based on the outcome of this simple and non-invasive test treatment options will be discussed.

Call a hearing professional this May to take the next step towards better hearing!