Dr. Woods Hearing Center Endorses Better Hearing and Speech Month in May 2014

36 Million American Adults Report Hearing Difficulties;
1 in 5 Teenagers Suffer from Hearing Loss

Nashua, NH — With hearing loss affecting 36 million American adults and spiking in younger populations, Better Hearing and Speech Month is the ideal time to learn about better hearing. Nashua-based audiologist Dr. Jessica Woods, Au.D. is taking part in the national effort to educate about hearing loss prevention, the benefits of better hearing, signs of hearing health issues, and available treatment options.

“As a certified audiologist, I see patients every day who are benefitting from hearing care,” said Dr. Woods. “Particularly since May is Better Hearing and Speech Month, I recommend hearing assessments to anyone who wonders about their hearing, or a loved one’s hearing. I want to make sure that each person has a chance to take pleasure in life’s moments, to make life sound better.”

Hearing loss can be present at birth or acquired. In fact, 1 in 5 teenagers ages 12–19 suffer from hearing loss, an increase of 31% since the late 1980s and early 1990s. Although newborn hearing screenings are common in the United States, hearing issues may develop after children leave the hospital. They also may result from ear infections, head injury, noise exposure, or other illnesses, such as chicken pox or influenza. If left untreated, hearing loss in children can affect their speech and language development, communication, and learning.

Thankfully, an audiologist can conduct vital testing to address health concerns and offer additional resources to children who have difficulty hearing. To determine if a child should be seen, parents should watch for a lack of attention to sounds, difficulty following simple directions, failure to respond when a name is called, delay in speech and language development, pulling or scratching of the ears, difficulty excelling academically, social isolation and feeling unhappy, or persistent ear discomfort after exposure to loud noise.

In adults untreated hearing loss is tied to early exits from the workforce and reduced quality of life. Research has also identified a strong link between hearing loss and dementia. Approximately 26 million Americans between the ages of 20 and 69 have high frequency hearing loss. Likewise, tinnitus – a buzzing or ringing in the ears – affects 1 in 5 adults. The following signs of hearing difficulty merit an audiological evaluation to pinpoint the cause and pursue treatment options: lack of response to spoken words, muffled hearing, frustration with speech and certain sounds, avoiding conversation, social isolation, and depression.

About Dr. Woods Hearing Center
Dr. Woods Hearing Center is operated by audiologist Dr. Jessica L. Woods, who has been bringing hearing care to the NH area since 2003. She specializes in diagnostic testing and treatment for both adults and children, as well as the diagnosis and treatment of tinnitus (ringing in the ears), sudden hearing loss and early intervention. She takes pride in educating her patients regarding causes, prevention and how different degrees of hearing loss will affect communication. For more information, please visit www.drwoodshearing.com or call 603-889-7434.