May Is Better Hearing Month

The month of May on Long Island means the arrival of beautiful, warm weather, the blooming of flowers and trees, the annual celebration of Mother's Day – and of course, Better Hearing Month.

McGuires Hearing Aids and Audiological Services reminds readers that Better Hearing Month is an ideal time to consider getting a hearing screening. We suggest that readers visit a reputable hearing provider, since most of the time, screenings are free of charge.

Sometimes it's difficult to know whether there is a true hearing loss or not. You may have a hearing loss if you:

• require frequent repetition.
• have difficulty following conversations involving more than 2 people.
• think that other people sound like they're mumbling.
• experience difficulty hearing in noisy public situations.
• have trouble hearing children and women.
• turn up the volume on your TV or radio.
• answer or respond inappropriately in conversations.
• have ringing in your ears.
• read lips or more intently watch people's faces when they speak with you.

Increasing the odds that you may have a hearing loss are these additional factors. You:

• have a family history of hearing loss.
• take medications that can harm the hearing system (ototoxic drugs).
• have diabetes, heart, circulation or thyroid problems.
• have been exposed to very loud sounds over a long period or single
• exposure to explosive noise.

A loss in hearing is more than an inconvenience. It often results in a breakdown in relationships, withdrawal from social situations, and even depression.

Hearing plays a big part in social and emotional connections to the outside world. And since we are adaptive creatures, we adapt our techniques to accommodate the loss of one of our senses – many times, without realizing it.

If you suspect you have a hearing loss, contact your local hearing provider – or the staff at McGuire's Hearing – and ask for a free hearing screening.