FARMINGTON, MI – May 23, 2023 – A team from International Hearing Society (IHS) joined more than 200 attendees on Saturday, May 20, in Milford, Michigan, to raise awareness for hearing healthcare. The Hearing Loss Association of America’s (HLAA’s) Michigan Walk4Hearing was one of twenty awareness events occurring around the nation this year to expand awareness and collect donations to promote hearing health. IHS staff, friends, and family walked the three-mile trail in Kensington Metro Park to support HLAA’s important work to increase access to hearing healthcare. Since 2006, Walk4Hearing has raised more than $18 million for essential programs and a wide range of resources.
Prior to the walk, IHS team members received hearing checks from audiology students from Central Michigan University who, along with their professor, traveled in their nearly 39-foot mobile health vehicle to provide this service for all attendees.
HLAA Executive Director Barbara Kelley said, “We’re honored to have the IHS team participate in Walk4Hearing! HLAA’s Walks bring the community of hearing health together, including dedicated professionals, industry, and individuals and families, who all want to raise awareness and funds, and show others that there is something you can do about your hearing loss. Better hearing is ultimately better living, and Walk4Hearing helps us share that message.”
“We love working together with organizations like IHS, who share our common goal of elevating the importance of hearing health. It’s especially timely during Better Hearing and Speech Month, and we hope to spread the message that hearing is part of overall health and should be checked, protected, and treated if necessary.”
“IHS was proud to walk with HLAA and raise awareness on the importance of making hearing health a priority. Taking care of your hearing is necessary for your overall health. Not only is unaddressed hearing loss the top modifiable risk factor for dementia, but research also shows that the use of hearing aids by those who can benefit from them actually decreases one’s risk. The use of professionally fit hearing aids can also help with safety, energy levels, contribute to positive relationships, and assist with a variety of other health factors,” said IHS Executive Director Alissa Parady. “Hearing aid specialists are a great source of information about hearing loss and can provide hearing assessments and services to help individuals be proactive about their hearing and overall health.”
If you haven’t had a recent hearing check, IHS, the professional association for hearing aid professionals, provides these guidelines for when/how often individuals should check their hearing:
- People should get their hearing tested at least every three years.
- People regularly exposed to noise should have an annual hearing test.
- People who notice a change in their hearing or develop tinnitus should have their hearing checked as soon as possible.
- Current hearing aid wearers should have an annual hearing test.
Take steps today to protect your hearing and promote hearing health by visiting a hearing aid specialist near you. A successful hearing check begins by making an appointment with a qualified hearing aid specialist. If you don’t have one, individuals can access IHS’ convenient member directory to locate a local provider.
