Better Hearing and Speech Month

I just thought I would share with you that it is...
BETTER HEARING AND SPEECH MONTH
MAY 2009

For over 75 years, May has been designated as Better Hearing and Speech Month. This month provides an opportunity to educate and inform others about the importance of good hearing, the social and emotional implications of hearing loss, and the available solutions for those who suffer from hearing loss. One of the most commonly unaddressed health conditions in America today, hearing loss affects more than 31 million Americans, most of whom are below retirement age.

Raise your hand to support hearing health and take action to spread the word about hearing loss in your community.

Hearing Loss Facts

** 1 out of 10 Americans have a hearing loss - that's more than 31,000,000 people1
** 3 out of 1000 children are born with hearing loss - 1.4 million children have hearing loss in the United States
**Children with hearing loss who are identified and receive early intervention prior to 6 months of age develop significantly better language ability than children identified after 6 months
**15% of "baby-boomers" ages 45-64 have hearing loss

**29% of people over age 65 have hearing loss
** The majority (65%) of people with hearing loss are below retirement age
**It's estimated that 6.2 million people use hearing aids - per the Better Hearing Institute, 5-10% of people with hearing loss do not benefit from hearing aids, but could benefit from an alternative treatment such as an implantable hearing solution instead

"Even a very slight hearing loss can have an impact on your daily life," said Dr. Jerry Punch of the Department of Communicative Sciences & Disorders, and the Oyer Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic at Michigan State University. "Hearing loss is treatable, and there is no reason for anyone to miss all the important sounds of life."