May is “Better Hearing and Speech Month,” May 2017

Are you aware that loud noises may cause permanent hearing loss? And that close to 70% of individuals who are exposed to loud noise levels do not wear hearing protection? May is a great month to learn how to protect and prevent hearing loss.

Hearing loss is the 3rd leading chronic health condition in the United States. In older adults, annual costs for 1st year hearing loss treatment is on the rise and expected to be near $51 million by 2030.

Help protect your hearing by:

• Lowering the volume
• Wearing ear protection
• Avoiding loud, noisy places

If you have to shout to talk then the noise is too loud. Take steps now if you feel that you are experiencing hearing loss to prevent further damage. Additional resources regarding addressing and preventing hearing loss can be found at the Centers for Disease Control National Center for Environmental Health. Check out their hearing loss website to download a fact sheet.

Macomb County Health department technicians will perform free hearing and vision screenings through the end of May for children aged 3-5 years old prior to entering kindergarten. Click here for the hearing and vision screening flyer.

Oakland County provides free hearing screenings to children 3 through 18 years old who live or attend school in Oakland County. Screenings are by appointment only. Click here for more information or call (248) 424-7070.

Wayne County Department of Public Health (WCDPH) also provides free hearing and vision screenings for children 3 through 18 years old. Call (734) 727-7136 to make an appointment. Free screening appointments are offered every 3rd Friday of the month.

Audiologists at the Holley Institute are providing free adult hearing screens during the month of May. The Holley Institute, a non- profit organization is located at St. John Hospital & Medical Center Professional Building One (22151 Moross Rd, Ste 223, Detroit). Call today to schedule a free hearing screening, (313) 343-4436.

This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult your doctor for more information or if you have a medical concern.

Contributed by The Physician Alliance, a physician organization representing more than 2200 primary care and specialty physicians in southeast Michigan.

Source: Centers for Disease Control, St. John Providence Holly Institute, Wayne County Health department, Oakland County Health division and Macomb County Health department

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