October is Audiology Awareness Month

October is Audiology Awareness Month, and it’s a great reminder to pause and think about something we often take for granted: our hearing.

Here’s a surprising fact: the World Health Organization estimates that by 2050, nearly 2.5 billion people will have some degree of hearing loss. That’s an impressive number, and it’s not just about turning up the volume on the TV. Untreated hearing loss can have a ripple effect on your overall health. It’s been linked to things like faster cognitive decline, increased risk of depression, more frequent falls, and maybe most noticeably: difficulty staying connected with the people you care about.

So, how do you know if it’s time to get your hearing checked? If any of these sound familiar, it might be worth scheduling a an Audiology Evaluation:

• You often miss parts of conversations or feel like people are mumbling.

• You find yourself saying “What?” or “Can you repeat that?” more than usual.

• You hear ringing in your ears (that’s called tinnitus).

• You struggle to follow conversations in noisy places like restaurants or family gatherings.

And here’s the thing: hearing loss doesn’t care how old you are. It can affect anyone, at any age. That’s why I always encourage people (no matter their age) to get their hearing tested regularly.

So, if you haven’t had your hearing checked yet, now is the perfect time to do it. And while you’re at it, why not encourage your loved ones to do the same? A simple hearing test can make a big difference. 

Schedule an Audiology Evaluation with your local audiologist today! 

References

American Academy of Audiology. (2023, November 1). Dementia and Hearing Loss - American Academy of Audiology. https://www.audiology.org/consumers-and-patients/hearing-and-balance/dementia-and-hearing-loss/

American Academy of Audiology. (2025, September 30). October is National Audiology Awareness Month - American Academy of Audiology. https://www.audiology.org/advocacy/public-awareness/october-is-national-audiology-awareness-month/

Depression and hearing loss: Treatment is key. (2024, July 22). Healthy Hearing. Https://www.healthyhearing.com/report/52437-The-complex-link-between-depression-and-hearing-loss 

The hidden risks of hearing loss. (2025, October 3). Johns Hopkins Medicine. Https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-hidden-risks-of-hearing-loss 

Why hearing loss increases your risk of falling and what to do about it. (2023, August 29). Healthy Hearing. Https://www.healthyhearing.com/report/53220-Hearing-loss-falls-balance-hearing-aids 

World Health Organization: WHO. (2025, February 26). Deafness and hearing loss. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/deafness-and-hearing-loss