Bringing Better Quality of Life Back to Millions of Americans
The Better Hearing Institute (BHI) has launched the Across America Hearing Check Challenge (www.hearingcheck.org), a nationwide campaign to help millions of Americans reclaim their quality of life by facing up to unaddressed hearing loss. The campaign will serve as the central theme for Better Hearing and Speech Month, which occurs during the month of May.

Spouses, Baby Boomers and their aging parents, and all American families and friends are encouraged to rise to the challenge and get their hearing checked — together. "Now, simply by visiting and walking through a 15-question self-screener in the privacy of one’s own home, anyone can easily take the first step in addressing hearing loss," said Sergei Kochkin, PhD, executive director of the BHI.

"We know that unaddressed hearing loss seriously undercuts a person’s quality of life and has atremendous impact on relationships," Kochkin continued. "We also know that too many people wait years, even decades, before getting treatment — being either unaware of the extent of their hearing loss or too afraid to confront it — losing out on so much.

"That’s why BHI is waving the red flag, starting now and during this Better Hearing and Speech Month, in an effort to help millions. We’ve developed a simple, interactive screening check that couples, families, and anyone else can use in the comfort and privacy of their own homes. By visiting www.hearingcheck.org, Americans can take the first, most critical step in reclaiming their hearing — and quality of life."

Research shows that hearing health affects everything from job performance to sexual intimacy. And when someone experiences unaddressed hearing loss, it silently erodes the sufferer’s quality of life — undermining family relationships, interfering with short-term memory, and creeping into virtually every aspect of daily living.

The signs of hearing loss can be subtle and emerge slowly, or they can be significant and come on suddenly. Either way, there are common indications. Symptoms of hearing loss include not being able to hear well in a crowded room or restaurant, having trouble hearing children and women, keeping the television or radio turned up to a high volume, needing to ask friends to repeat what they’re saying, or experiencing ringing in the ears.

"Most people don’t have to suffer the consequences of unaddressed hearing loss," Kochkin said. "Hearing loss can be easily diagnosed, and there are modern-day solutions that can help people hear better. Simply by getting their hearing checked and addressing their hearing loss, so many Americans can reclaim their quality of life.

Founded in 1973, the Better Hearing Institute is a not-for-profit educational organization whose mission is to educate the public about hearing loss, its treatment, and prevention. BHI is offering a free copy of a 28-page booklet "Your Guide to Better Hearing."Call the Bette Hearing Institute 1-800-EAR-WELL.

For a quick hearing check from the Better Hearing Institute , visit www.hearingcheck.org.