October is Audiology Awareness Month! Hearing loss can no longer be classified as a problem of the elderly. Over 36 million American adults experience varying degrees of hearing loss. What’s so startling about this statistic is that over half of that population is younger than age 65. The American Academy of Audiology has dedicated the month of October to increasing public awareness of Audiology, the importance of getting regular hearing screenings, and also encouraging the population to invest in hearing protection. Hearing loss is often preventable, especially when detected early on. Regular hearing screenings and taking the time to educate yourself about the signs and symptoms of hearing loss could reverse an unfortunate outcome. The first step is simply: stop thinking that it cannot happen to you…and make sure you make the recommended lifestyle changes to help reduce your risk of experiencing hearing loss. To learn more about scheduling a hearing evaluation with The Hearing and Balance Centers of West Tennessee, contact one of our convenient locations. Stay informed about your hearing health. Schedule an appointment today!