Beverly Hills Hearing Center was founded in 1983 by Bonnie Baehr. Prior to that, Dr. Baehr practiced at the House Ear Clinic in Los Angeles as a staff audiologist for seven years. She was involved with diagnostic testing, hearing aid evaluations, research and rehabilitation. Dr. Baehr did her clinical fellowship training at the Veterans Administration Outpatient Clinic in downtown Los Angeles. She is a member of the American Academy of Audiology, American Speech Language and Hearing Association, California Academy of Audiology and Academy of Doctors of Audiology.
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Every May, the field of audiology and speech-language pathology come together to celebrate National Speech-Language-Hearing Month. It’s a time dedicated to raising awareness about hearing loss and other speech-language conditions. It’s also an opportunity to honor the professionals and individuals dedicated to communication health and wellness.
What is National Speech-Language-Hearing Month?
National Speech-Language-Hearing Month (previously known as Better Hearing and Speech Month) serves as an opportunity to recognize the importance of communication health and highlight the contributions of speech-language pathologists, hearing health professionals, and other specialists who help individuals overcome communication challenges.
For the last 38 years, May has been a time to increase public awareness of communication disorders and the services available to address them. During this month we promote advocacy, education, and outreach, raising awareness about communication disorders and highlighting available resources and support services.
Taking Action During National Speech-Language-Hearing Month
When it comes to personal hearing health, taking proactive steps can make a significant difference in your overall hearing and health. Here are some practical ways you can participate in National Speech-Language-Hearing Month:
Watch for Signs of Hearing Loss
Regular self-assessment and monitoring of your hearing health can serve as a proactive measure to address potential issues before they escalate. Look for any signs of hearing loss, such as difficulty following conversations, asking others to repeat themselves, or turning up the volume on electronic devices, Early detection can help you seek treatment right away.
Protect Your Hearing
Take proactive measures to safeguard your hearing in noisy environments by wearing earplugs or earmuffs, limiting exposure to loud noises, and using volume-limiting settings on electronic devices. By incorporating hearing protection into your daily routine, you can reduce the risk of noise-induced hearing loss and preserve your auditory function for years to come.
Schedule a Comprehensive Hearing Test
Book a comprehensive hearing evaluation with a qualified hearing health professional to assess your hearing health and identify any underlying issues or concerns. Regular hearing screenings enable early detection of hearing loss and can facilitate prompt intervention and appropriate management strategies.
Discussing your test results with your hearing health professional can give you valuable insights into your hearing health and help you make a personalized treatment plan that matches your specific needs and preferences.
Explore Treatment Options
If you’re diagnosed with hearing loss, explore treatment options such as hearing aids, assistive listening devices, or other solutions. Have a conversation with your hearing health professional to understand the benefits, limitations, and suitability of each treatment option based on your individual needs and lifestyle. Taking an active role in exploring treatment options empowers you to make informed decisions about your hearing health care and enhance your overall quality of life.
Educate Yourself
Invest some time in educating yourself about hearing loss, its causes, available resources, and support services. Access accurate and reliable information to help you navigate your hearing health journey. This information can also help you advocate for yourself with confidence.
Finally, you can also stay informed about advancements in hearing health care, emerging technologies, and best practices to ensure that you receive the highest quality of care and support.
Seek Support
If you have hearing loss, this month is a great time to reach out to friends, family, or support groups. Surrounding yourself with a supportive network helps reduce feelings of isolation, and provides emotional and practical support to help you overcome challenges and achieve your hearing health goals. Sharing experiences and insights with others facing similar challenges can build community and benefit everyone.
It’s Time for Better Hearing Health
By taking proactive steps to advocate for your own hearing health, you can improve your quality of life and reduce the impact of hearing loss on your overall well-being. During National Speech-Language-Hearing Month and beyond, commit to prioritizing your hearing health, staying informed, seeking support, and taking action to preserve and protect your auditory function.
Remember that your hearing health matters, and by advocating for yourself, you can make a positive difference in your life and the lives of those around you. To find out more about how you can get involved in National Speech-Language-Hearing Month visit us today!