May is Better Hearing Month—Celebrate With Us!
Every year in May, Better Hearing Month expands awareness of hearing loss and other communication issues. Help HLAA celebrate by participating in our social media challenge:
Join Our Social Challenge
- Post a brief answer to “What does #BetterHearing mean to you?” on your own Facebook or Instagram profile and set the post to a Public audience.
- Use hashtags: #BetterHearing #BetterHearingMonth #HLAA
- Tag HLAA — IG: @hearinglossassociation or FB: @Hearing Loss Association of America (Official Page)
- Include a great photo that shows you living life with better hearing
We’ll be sharing some of your inspiring posts throughout the month and we look forward to seeing yours! Participation implies consent for HLAA to feature your message and photo on our social media channels.
Get the Facts on Hearing Loss, a Growing Public Health Crisis
Check out our information and resources below for better hearing all month long and throughout your life.
Did You Know?
- More than 50 million Americans (1 in 7) have hearing loss and many more are at risk.
- Hearing loss is expected to double globally by 2050, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
- 1 billion youth worldwide are at risk of noise-induced hearing loss (WHO).
- Four out of five people (80%) who could benefit from hearing aids do not get them.
- The average wait to get treatment for hearing loss is 7 years.
- A wide range of assistive technology is now available, including over-the-counter hearing aids, hearing loops, cochlear implants, Bluetooth and more.
- Prioritize hearing care – get screened and take action!
Better Hearing Sooner for More People
Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids have been available directly to consumers without a prescription since October 2022, offering another pathway to treatment for adults 18 and over with perceived mild-to-moderate hearing loss.
Our online resources and OTC 101: Ask the Experts Webinar Series can help dispel the confusion about this exciting new category of products. Register now for the final two webinars on May 22 and June 5, featuring representatives from top OTC hearing aid manufacturers!
Better Hearing with Tech
Join the Alliance for Accessible Technology
In partnership with Gallaudet University and the American Institutes for Research® (AIR), HLAA has developed the Industry-Consumer Alliance for Accessible Technology (ICAAT), an online initiative for industry and consumers to collaborate toward better #HearingTechnology. Join this new online community tech forum to learn, share experiences, participate in research and connect with others on accessible technology.
Hearing Life Magazine Spring Issue: AI and Other Hearing Technology Advancements
The spring issue of HLAA’s seasonal Hearing Life magazine is filled with information about hearing technology advancements for people with hearing loss—from artificial intelligence (AI) to augmented reality (AR) and beyond. Plus, essential workplace tools and resources that can help you on the job, our community’s favorite tech tips, a student digital accessibility initiative and more!
Hearing Music Better
HLAA 2023 Convention in New Orleans featured The Joy of Music/Loving Your Ears Research Symposium—a panel on music and hearing loss, covering ear protection, music appreciation and performance. If you love music, you’ll want to watch these videos highlighting insights from our knowledgeable speakers!
Read this blog by one of our panelists: What People with Hearing Loss can Learn from Professional Musicians
HLAA Hear for Life partner Hearing Industries Association (HIA) encourages Americans to monitor their hearing health in 3 simple steps:
- Click this link.
- Take the quick online hearing screening.
- If prompted, schedule an appointment with a hearing professional to discuss your results.
Walk For Better Hearing
HLAA’s annual Walk4Hearing season begins on May 18 in Michigan and continues through November! Join us in one of 21 U.S. cities this spring or fall, including our newest Walk in St. Paul, MN.
Better Hearing Through Connection
Join our nationwide community of support. Check out a local or virtual HLAA chapter!