To help raise awareness of the link between diabetes and hearing loss - and to encourage people with diabetes to get their hearing checked - the Better Hearing Institute is participating in American Diabetes Association Alert Day®, which takes place this year on March 27, 2012.
American Diabetes Association Alert Day® is a one-day "wake-up call" asking the American public to take the Diabetes Risk Test to find out if they are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes.
As part of its efforts, BHI will be urging people with diabetes to take the Across America Hearing Check Challenge to help determine if they need a comprehensive hearing test by a hearing healthcare professional. Hearing loss is about twice as common in adults with diabetes compared to those who do not have the disease. Yet hearing screenings oftentimes are not part of the regular regimen of care that people with diabetes routinely receive.
This year, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) will be encouraging people to take a new and improved Diabetes Risk Test by driving them to Facebook, where they can also ask questions, engage with the ADA community, and share the test with friends and loved ones. Although American Diabetes Association Alert Day® is a one-day event, the Diabetes Risk Test is available year-round.
BHI is urging hearing healthcare professionals across the country to take part by encouraging their clients to take the Diabetes Risk Test and to take it themselves as well. The new Diabetes Risk Test asks users to answer simple questions about weight, age, family history, and other potential risks for prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. Preventative tips are provided for everyone who takes the test, including encouraging those at high risk to talk with their healthcare provider.
There are several ways you can participate in American Diabetes Association Alert Day®. Here are some ideas:
- Organize a hearing screening in your community in recognition of American Diabetes Association Alert Day® on March 27th, encouraging visitors to get their hearing checked and take the Diabetes Risk Test.
- Issue a local press release and share BHI's diabetes and hearing loss backgrounder facts.
- Include a BHI article on diabetes and hearing health in your newsletter, on your web site, or as a handout in your office—or send it to your local newspaper for publication.
- Download and disseminate American Diabetes Association Alert Day® materials, including a fact sheet, newsletter insert, Diabetes Risk Test flyer, and several posters at www.diabetes.org/alert.
- Send out messages on Facebook and Twitter that share the Diabetes Risk Test and information on the link between diabetes and hearing loss.
- Send information through listservs.
- Include a Diabetes Alert Day banner on your web site.
