Throughout Hearing Health Awareness Month, the Alabama Hearing Associates team is spreading the word about why regular check-ups are crucial.

Today, this message is more important than ever, as hearing loss is on the rise not just in our state but across the US.

Researchers at John Hopkins University predict that the numbers with a hearing loss may double to almost 75 million in 2060.

This significant increase will have a range of repercussions, as many wait years before finally seeking help from a doctor of audiology while their condition worsens.

These are some of the reasons why you or a loved one might be delaying your appointment with Alabama Hearing Associates.

How can you tell?

One of the main reasons why many don’t get their hearing tested during the early stages is that they’re unaware they have an issue.

This is because it often takes place gradually, without you knowing. This insidious quality makes it very hard to spot for those with untrained eyes.

Someone could have witnessed a very loud noise twenty or thirty years ago, and over time, this may have led to a significant condition.

Regularly, family members are the first to recognize that a person may be experiencing an issue.

For example, they may observe someone turning their TV volume up higher than normal or have trouble understanding people with different accents.

Hearing loss is best treated when it first arises, as it can lead to more serious cognitive complications if you don’t take swift action.

If you know a loved one who has been displaying symptoms, ask them to book a hearing assessment with the team at Alabama Hearing Services.

What will others say?

Another typical reason why people wait years before acting on their hearing concerns is that they don’t want to admit they’re experiencing difficulties.

This regularly stems from the historic stigma that many associates with hearing loss.

Plenty remember the ineffective devices their grandparents wore – which made them stand out among their peers – and anticipate that they’ll be fitted with something very similar.

But today, we live in very different times.

Millions of Americans treat their hearing loss each year, with this seen as no different to how people receive prescriptions for their vision.

In addition, modern instruments are not only sleek and discrete, making them almost invisible. They also come with life-changing software.

For many, this includes Bluetooth connectivity, meaning you can take phone calls and stream music directly to your hearing aids.

This is combined with incredible sound quality, which you really can’t put a price on.

If you’d like to know more about the range of amazing products on offer, let the team know, and they’ll gladly give you more information.

Are you concerned about a hearing loss or know someone who is? Contact the team at Alabama Hearing Associates, and they’ll be ready to help!

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Dr. Jan Liles

Dr. Liles earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Montevallo and her master’s degree from the University of Alabama. From 1991 to 2001, she worked with two ENT medical practices and initiated one of the first newborn hearing screening programs in the state. In 2002, she was awarded a doctorate in audiology from the University of Florida. Dr. Liles and her longtime best friend, Dr. Sheehy, founded Alabama Hearing Associates in January 2002.