Hearing loss is a serious condition that affects about 48 million people in the United States alone. Every May is Better Hearing and Speech Month, a campaign from the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA) designated “to raise awareness and promote treatment that can improve quality of life for those who experience problems with speaking, hearing or understanding.”

For 2020, the theme is “Communication at Work,” which emphasizes the importance of communication at home and at work. In light of recent events, ASHA has shifted focus towards the importance of supporting those with hearing, language and speech disorders while social distancing and working from home.

Social Distancing With Hearing Loss

Social distancing can be difficult for all of us but for those of us with hearing issues the effects can be compounded. People who struggle to hear conversation can become fatigued by everyday conversation. Now with the importance of social distancing there are less opportunities for social interaction than before. This can lead to a higher risk of self-isolation, which can lead to depression and a higher risk of cognitive impairment. For the nearly 48 million people living with hearing loss, now sheltering in place, audiology services may be harder to access. ASHA offers some advice on ways to hear better at home while social distancing, to make sure you are connected to the world, even through this crisis.

Maintaining Hearing Aids

Like any device that you use daily, regular maintenance can make all the difference toward enjoying optimal effects. It is important to keep your device clean and dry to ensure the best hearing experience possible. Even if this is a difficult time to visit us at, there are still things you can do at home to get the most out of your hearing aids.

Perform visual checks daily.

ASHA recommends making a visual inspection of your hearing aids daily to make sure there is no build up of dirt or earwax on any part of your hearing aids. It is also important to inspect your devices for cracks on the body and the tubing, which could cause moisture to enter and degrade the quality of sound.

Avoid moisture.

While some hearing aids are water-resistant there is yet to be a truly waterproof hearing aid on the market. A hearing aid drying container will help keep moisture from building up inside hearing aids and causing serious damage over time. It is recommended that you remove the battery over night while placing your hearing aids in a drying container to get the longest life from your hearing aids.

Check batteries.

While many hearing aids today have rechargeable batteries, many models still require you to replace your batteries every 5-10 days depending on the model. Make sure you have enough batteries and order more ahead of time so you don’t get caught off guard without power. Even rechargeable batteries can wear out over time. Pay attention to how long your battery is holding its charge. If the time seems to be getting shorter and shorter then contact us about installing a new rechargeable battery.

Ways to Improve Your Hearing Experience at Home

While sheltering in place there are still many ways that you can ensure you have the best listening experience possible by communicating to the people around you and asking for help, so you can hear you best. ASHA recommends a few tips to make this experience at home a breeze.

Wait until you are in the same room to talk with others.

Even over the phone, it is okay to ask the other person to speak slower so you have ample time to follow. When speaking in person or video chat, make sure you can see the face of the person you are speaking with. Many people with hearing disorders still rely on facial expression and body language to better understand. Use closed captioning when watching television or movies.