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May marks National Speech-Language-Hearing Month, a crucial time to highlight the importance of hearing health and the profound impact in can have on quality of life. To educate Veterans and

employees, the Audiology and Speech Pathology clinic came together on May 9th, 2024, to make some noise and raise awareness in the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital’s Healing Garden. 

Hearing loss is a significant health concern that can arise from various factors, including genetics, age, exposure to loud noises and certain medical conditions. However, the effects of

hearing loss extend beyond the auditory system, influencing mental health, social interactions and overall well-being. “The prevalence of hearing loss in the U.S. itself is high,” said Dr.

Megan Sullivan, an audiologist at JAHVH. “So, when you have a smaller pool of people like Veterans that have served many years in noisy environments, that number rises exponentially.” From a

young age, protecting our ears is vital. Exposure to high noise levels can damage the delicate structures within the ear, leading to hearing loss that is often, irreversible. Using ear

protection, like earplugs or earmuffs in noisy environments like concerts or sports events, or while using power tools or visiting the shooting range are essential to preventing hearing

loss.  “Some people even double up, and wear earmuffs over their earplugs for extra protection,” said Dr. Sullivan. “Exposure to loud sounds can contribute to tinnitus. Hearing loss and

tinnitus are two of the top service-connected disabilities that affect many Veterans.” Already experiencing hearing loss? Veterans do not have to live in a world of muffled silence. There

are many avenues available to improve hearing once hearing loss has been diagnosed by a professional, because advancements in technology have revolutionized assisted listening devices.

Hearings aids come in different shapes, sizes, colors and some go in the ear while others go behind the ear. There are rechargeable hearing aids, and even hearing aids that can be adjusted

remotely by medical professionals without having to drive to the clinic. “The most popular ones right now are Bluetooth enabled, so you can pair it with your cell phone to take phone calls

or listen to audio books and music,” said Dr. Sullivan. “There are even apps available so if you have trouble with dexterity, you can adjust the hearing aid using your phone or find it more

easily if you happen to lose it.” The social component of untreated hearing loss is also a large part of National Speech-Language-Hearing Month. Difficulty in communicating can lead to

misunderstandings, social withdrawal and isolation, which are risk factors for mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. The connection between hearing loss and mental health is

evident, since social interactions play a critical role in emotional and psychological well-being. “If you have hearing loss, taking action and wearing hearing aids is going to ultimately

give you a better quality of life,” said Dr. Sullivan. “There’s a lot of research out now that links hearing loss and cognition. If you want to live your best life, come see us and get your

hearing tested!”  National Speech-Language-Hearing Month serves as a reminder of the importance of hearing health and the need for regular hearing checkups. Veterans can get free hearing

tests Monday through Friday at several locations in Tampa area. To learn more about JAHVH’s Audiology and Speech Pathology services, visit: 

https://www.va.gov/tampa-health-care/health-services/#specialty-care or contact: Tampa – (813) 972-7529  Brooksville VA Clinic – (352) 597-8287  Lakeland – 863-701-2470 #4  New Port Richey

VA Clinic – (727) 869-4100 Riverview VA Clinic – (813) 998-8600