Hearing loss is one of the most common chronic conditions that people in the United States experience. Unfortunately, many adults with hearing difficulties regularly encounter stigmas that negatively impact their daily lives.

This May, which is recognized as National Speech, Language Hearing Month, Dr. Ann DePaolo Wietsma from The Audiology Offices is encouraging everyone to take some simple steps to improve this reality for their family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues with hearing loss.

“Most if not all of us know someone with hearing loss—because it affects one in seven of us,” said Wietsma. “Despite its high prevalence, hearing loss is often misunderstood. People also hold inaccurate perceptions and even stereotypes about those with hearing difficulties. Although these perceptions may be unintentional, they nevertheless can be very damaging.”

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association commissioned a 2024 poll of more than 1,000 adults with speech, language, or hearing challenges to assess the impact of these difficulties on their daily lives and relationships. The poll, which was conducted by YouGov, found that over half (58 percent) of adults with hearing difficulties experience at least one of the following forms of stigma at least sometimes: feeling like an outcast, feeling “less than,” being talked down to, and feeling judged.

Over half of respondents say that there needs to be more awareness about hearing difficulties, wish that people were more willing to make accommodations for people with hearing difficulties, and find social gatherings or events to be stressful due to their hearing difficulties, a release from The Audiology Offices stated.

First and foremost, Wietsma stresses the importance of extending simple courtesy and patience to people who are hard of hearing. “Understand that the person with hearing loss may be similarly frustrated with any communication breakdowns that are occurring. Communication is a two-way street, so do your part to ensure a successful interaction.”

She cites the ASHA–YouGov poll: When asked what could help improve their lives, people with hearing loss most often said greater public knowledge about how to communicate effectively with someone who has difficulty hearing (such as facing the person as you talk).

Hearing loss can occur at any age. Left undetected and unaddressed, it is associated with increased risk of other medical problems, social isolation and depression, cognitive decline, and safety issues such as falls. Wietsma encourages everyone to learn the signs of hearing loss and to get a full evaluation by an audiologist if they have any concerns. Most hearing evaluations are covered by insurance. An audiologist can explain the numerous treatment options if they do detect any degree of hearing loss.

To learn more about hearing loss, visit www.asha.org/public or www.ActNowonHearing.com.

The Audiology Offices LLC is based in Kilmarnock, with other locations in Gloucester and Warsaw. For more information, visit https://audiologyoffices.com.