# Audiology Awareness Month: Why Hearing Health Matters

> Celebrate Audiology Awareness Month by learning about hearing health, hearing loss prevention, and the role of audiologists in enhancing quality of life.

**Published:** 2024-09-27

Celebrate Audiology Awareness Month by learning about hearing health, hearing loss prevention, and the role of audiologists in enhancing quality of life.

![Audiology Awareness Month](https://www.auditdata.com/media/ghrlnwcb/audiology-awareness-month.png)

Blog

In a hurry? **Here's a brief summary.**

October is Audiology Awareness Month, which was **established by the [American Academy of Audiology](https://www.audiology.org/) in 2008 to educate the public about hearing health**.

Many within the audiology profession implement grassroots efforts to generate awareness about hearing health and share interesting facts about audiology. Hearing care professionals [distribute key messages](https://www.audiology.org/practice-resources/public-awareness/october-is-national-audiology-awareness-month/) through media outreach and social media posts, and many also hold events like community walks and educational presentations.

## **Healthy Hearing**: Embrace Audiology Awareness Month This October

![Embrace Audiology Awareness Month](https://www.auditdata.com/media/pjubva32/embrace-audiology-awareness-month.jpg)

Interesting facts about audiology:

- Globally, 1.5 billion people – or 20% of the world’s population – experience [hearing loss](https://www.ncoa.org/article/what-older-adults-need-to-know-about-hearing-loss).
- While hearing loss can happen at any age, chances [increase as you get older](https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/hearing-and-hearing-loss/hearing-loss-common-problem-older-adults). In fact, [31% of people age 65+ experience hearing loss](https://wwwn.cdc.gov/NHISDataQueryTool/SHS_adult/index.html), which increases to [40% for people 75+](https://wwwn.cdc.gov/NHISDataQueryTool/SHS_adult/index.html).
- Unfortunately, hearing aid use is low, even when hearing impaired people would benefit from using the devices. [Only 29.2% of people with hearing loss](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2807708?utm_source=hearingtracker.com) use hearing aids.
- [Up to 1.35 billion young adults](https://gh.bmj.com/content/7/11/e010501.info) (ages 18-34) regularly listen to dangerously loud music, which is leading to noise-induced [hearing loss](https://www.auditdata.com/insights/blog/loud-music-contributes-to-hearing-loss-impacting-1-billion-young-people/ "Loud Music Contributes to Hearing Loss, Impacting 1 Billion Young People").

## **The Importance of Hearing Health**

Approximately [37.5 million adults](https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/statistics/quick-statistics-hearing#:~:text=Approximately%2015%25%20of%20American%20adults,over%20report%20some%20trouble%20hearing.) in the U.S. and [11 million people](https://www.baaudiology.org/about/media-centre/facts-about-hearing-loss-and-deafness/) in the UK have hearing loss, making it the third most common chronic condition in America, and the second most common in the UK. [One in six Australians](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hearing-loss) has hearing loss, **a number that’s expected to rise to [one in four](https://www.connecthearing.com.au/about-connect-hearing/ews/facts-figures-hearing-loss-australia/) by 2050**, due to the country’s aging population.

Sadly, many people with hearing loss resist seeing an audiologist – or wearing hearing aids – because of the perceived “[stigmas](https://www.auditdata.com/insights/blog/overcoming-hearing-aid-objections/ "Why People Don't Wear Their Hearings Aids - Responding to Common Hearing Aid Objections")” around needing the devices. [Some common barriers to hearing aid usage](https://www.ncoa.org/adviser/hearing-aids/low-hearing-loss-treatment-reasons/) include high cost, lack of accessibility, [discomfort](https://www.ameritas.com/insights/wont-wear-hearing-aids/), and improper fit.

The audiology industry should work together to banish the stigmas and encourage people with hearing loss to get (and wear!) hearing aids. This is especially important because untreated hearing loss can have a negative impact on people’s mental, physical, and emotional health. For instance, untreated hearing loss has been proven to increase [depression, anxiety](https://www.hearinglife.com/hearing-loss/consequences-of-untreated-hearing-loss), [isolation](https://www.audiology.org/consumers-and-patients/hearing-and-balance/depression-and-hearing-loss/), cognitive decline, and [dementia](https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/hearing-and-hearing-loss/hearing-loss-common-problem-older-adults), as well as physical conditions like [diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and balance issues](https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-minute-how-untreated-hearing-loss-can-result-in-a-negative-health-spiral/#:~:text=It's%20not%20surprising%20then%2C%20that,Deep.).

For children, untreated hearing loss is frequently linked to learning difficulties, [academic underachievement](https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/imported2/childhood-hearing-loss--strategies-for-prevention-and-care.pdf?sfvrsn=cbbbb3cc_0#:~:text=While%20the%20most%20obvious%20effect,life%20%285%2C%206%29.), and challenges with their [language development.](https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/imported2/childhood-hearing-loss--strategies-for-prevention-and-care.pdf?sfvrsn=cbbbb3cc_0#:~:text=While%20the%20most%20obvious%20effect,life%20%285%2C%206%29.)Children that can’t hear properly – or participate easily in conversations – may also have [social challenges](https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/imported2/childhood-hearing-loss--strategies-for-prevention-and-care.pdf?sfvrsn=cbbbb3cc_0#:~:text=While%20the%20most%20obvious%20effect,life%20%285%2C%206%29.), withdrawing and isolating, which can harm their self-esteem, confidence, and overall happiness.

Maintaining [good hearing health](https://www.auditdata.com/insights/blog/how-to-spotlight-the-many-benefits-of-hearing-aids/ "How to Spotlight The Many Benefits Of Hearing Aids") offers numerous benefits, like reducing depression, loneliness, and cognitive decline, and contributing to physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing and overall life satisfaction.

## **Prevention and Protection Strategies**

![Prevention And Protection Strategies ](https://www.auditdata.com/media/i4nfat2l/prevention-and-protection-strategies.jpg)

A goal during Audiology Awareness Month is to inform the public about the importance of hearing protection and protecting their hearing in loud environments.

Approximately [22 million workers](https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/noise/about/index.html#:~:text=Millions%20of%20workers%20are%20at,being%20exposed%20to%20ototoxic%20chemicals.) are exposed to hazardous noise levels on the job. And [1.35 billion people](https://www.auditdata.com/{localLink:0fc568f1-a991-4c40-9980-19b900851581} "Loud Music Contributes to Hearing Loss, Impacting 1 Billion Young People") listen to dangerously loud music on headphones and at concerts. Hearing protection is essential for people that are around loud sounds, either for work (e.g., air traffic control, construction worker, musician, etc.), for fun (at concerts, shooting ranges, riding a motorcycle) or during chores (mowing the lawn, leaf blowing). Proper protection helps avoid hearing damage due to loud sounds.

The common recommendation is limiting sound exposure to 80 decibels (dBs). For anything louder than that, use hearing protection. The most common forms of ear protection include:

- **Earplugs**These small inserts go into the ear canal to reduce the amount of sound and protect the user’s ear from loud noises.
- **Earmuffs**These padded ear coverings completely cover the outside of the ears to block out noise and protect hearing.
- **Custom-molded earplugs**These earplugs are molded to fit the unique shape of each patient’s ear, offering a comfortable fit and secure seal.
- **Noise-canceling headphones**Technology blocks external noise for a quiet environment.

### Encourage **Regular Hearing Checkups**

A key message during Audiology Awareness Month is that people should schedule regular hearing evaluations to monitor and protect their hearing health. People should see an audiologist right away if they suspect they may have hearing loss.

**Common signs of hearing loss include**:

- Asking people to repeat themselves.
- Turning up the TV or radio to loud volumes.
- Feeling like people are mumbling or [not speaking clearly](https://www.webmd.com/brain/aphasia-causes-symptoms-types-treatments).
- Having difficulty hearing and understanding people when there's background noise.
- Experiencing ringing, humming, hissing, or other noises in the ears.

## **Audiology Advances**: A New Era of Hearing Solutions

![Tech Advancements In Audiology](https://www.auditdata.com/media/nj2hn0dh/tech-advancements-in-audiology.jpg)

**Modern hearing aids are nothing like the ugly, large, clunky, beige devices from years ago!**

Today’s hearing aids utilize advanced technology to improve sound quality, and a variety of features to fit each patient’s lifestyle needs. The latest devices offer Bluetooth connectivity, rechargeable batteries, and improved sound quality, functionality, and user experience. Hearing aids have also gotten smaller, more stylish, and more streamlined, improving the look and feel.

## How Hearing Care Professionals Can Help **Raise Awareness**

![Raise Awareness](https://www.auditdata.com/media/4tfozg4t/raise-awareness.jpg)

Every October during Audiology Awareness Month, hearing care professionals can educate the public about hearing health, signs of hearing loss, information about when to see an audiologist, and the importance of using hearing protection in loud environments.

**Grassroots efforts are integral to raising awareness**. Hearing care professionals rely on various marketing efforts, including social media engagement, to spread key messages.

The American Association of Audiology has a variety of [resources](https://www.audiology.org/practice-resources/public-awareness/october-is-national-audiology-awareness-month/) on its website to help hearing care professionals promote Audiology Awareness Month, including [press release templates, images,](https://www.audiology.org/practice-resources/public-awareness/october-is-national-audiology-awareness-month/)and critical messages to share. Many hearing clinics also use social media to raise awareness during Audiology Awareness Month, engage the community, share interesting facts about audiology, and offer valuable information and resources.

## **Make a Difference**: Share Insights to Raise Awareness

Amplify the importance of hearing care this Audiology Awareness Month by sharing these insightful blogs with your friends, family, and colleagues. Each share not only educates but also empowers individuals to seek the help they need.

## When to See an Audiologist: Key Guide for Hearing Care

Discover when to see an audiologist for hearing health. Learn about signs, treatments, and benefits of expert care. Your guide to better hearing.

![When To See An Audiologist](https://www.auditdata.com/media/fumfwv50/when-to-see-an-audiologist.jpg)

## Unveiling the Age Bias & Adding Diversity in Hearing Aid Advertisements

To change the perception of hearing loss – and show that it happens to people of all ages, races, backgrounds, etc. – advertising and marketing efforts must become more inclusive.

![Young Girl With Hearing Aids Remove Stigma With Auditdata](https://www.auditdata.com/media/25jmk0nf/young-girl-with-hearing-aids-remove-stigma-with-auditdata.jpg)

## How To Recognize & Address Hearing Loss in Kids and Teens

Is your baby not startled or upset by sudden loud noises? Does your toddler not respond when you call their name? Does your child or teen ask you to repeat yourself often? These could be signs of a hearing loss.

![Child Hearing Loss Auditdata](https://www.auditdata.com/media/evihyhoe/child-hearing-loss-auditdata.jpg)