Judy Marquess-Lara, Au.D.
May is Better Hearing and Speech Month, a nationwide observance of how we need to take care of our sense of hearing.
According to the Better Hearing Institute, hearing loss ranks third in public health issues in America today, as 1 in 10 Americans have some form of hearing loss. That statistic equates to more than 31 million people.
Judy Marquess-Lara, Au.D., an audiologist with Franciscan St. Elizabeth Health in partnership with Whisper Hearing Centers, is providing the community with tips on identifying hearing loss.
Basic signs of hearing loss include:
- Difficulty understanding speech;
- Feeling stressed out from straining to hear what others are saying;
- Having difficulty following conversations involving more than two people;
- Difficulty hearing in noisy situations, such as conferences, restaurants or meetings;
- Others complaining that the TV is turned up too loud; and
- Asking others to repeat often.
“If you have even one symptom of hearing loss, it is important to have your hearing evaluated, just as you would do for any other health concern. These basic signs can cause long-term impact for people with hearing loss. Untreated hearing loss has been linked with depression, anxiety, fatigue, stress and anger, among other problems,” says Dr. Marquees-Lara.
“People resist seeking help for a variety of reasons, including the stigma associated with hearing aids, denial of needing one and even the cost,” adds Dr. Marquess-Lara. “Today’s hearing solutions are affordable and discreet.”
During Better Hearing and Speech Month, Franciscan St. Elizabeth Health is offering no-cost, no obligation hearing consultations. To make an appointment, please call Franciscan St. Elizabeth Health’s Audiology Department at (765) 423-6855.
Posted by Rob Ford at 11:39 AM