News Summary
In an effort to raise awareness about hearing loss, Kentucky is unveiling a campaign during National Better Speech-Language-Hearing Month. The initiative, supported by Governor Andy Beshear and the Kentucky Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, highlights the importance of identifying early signs of hearing loss, which affects approximately 700,000 individuals statewide. The campaign aims to educate residents on the risks associated with untreated hearing loss and promote early intervention to protect mental health and personal relationships.
Frankfort, Kentucky – In May, during National Better Speech-Language-Hearing Month, the state of Kentucky is launching a campaign aimed at raising awareness about hearing loss and its implications. Approximately 700,000 individuals across all age groups in Kentucky experience some degree of hearing loss, prompting Governor Andy Beshear and the Kentucky Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (KCDHH) to advocate for the identification of hearing loss signs and encourage individuals to seek professional evaluations.
The governor underscored the significance of recognizing the early signs of hearing loss, both in oneself and in loved ones. It is concerning that many individuals take an average of seven years to seek treatment after first suspecting they have hearing issues. This delay often results in further complications, as hearing loss can arise gradually due to aging, loud environments, or various other factors.
Identifying Hearing Loss
Common signs of hearing loss in adults include:
- Difficulty following conversations.
- Struggling to hear in noisy settings.
- Experiencing ringing, roaring, or beeping in one or both ears.
- Not responding to spoken words.
- Perceiving sounds as muffled.
- Feeling constant frustration when trying to hear speech and other sounds.
- Choosing to avoid conversations.
Individuals noticing any of these signs are strongly encouraged to consult with a doctor or a licensed audiologist. Early intervention is crucial, as untreated hearing loss can significantly affect mental health, job performance, and personal relationships. Moreover, individuals with untreated hearing loss are at a higher risk of cognitive decline and early onset dementia.
Protecting Hearing Across Ages
The KCDHH emphasizes the importance of protecting hearing at all stages of life, particularly among children and teenagers. Alarmingly, research indicates that 12.5% of youth aged 6 to 19 have measurable hearing loss, frequently attributed to improper usage of earbuds and exposure to loud music. The campaign aims to educate parents and guardians on the risks associated with unsafe listening habits.
Early detection of hearing loss in children is vital, as it can have profound implications on speech and language development. Untreated hearing loss can impede academic performance and social interactions, creating long-lasting effects on an individual’s personal and educational growth.
Additional Information
Overall, this campaign not only aims to raise awareness but also strives to encourage proactive measures that could lead to better health outcomes for the individuals affected by hearing loss across Kentucky.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Health Secretary Faces Backlash Over Budget Cuts and Vaccination Views
Veterans and Public Servants Unite Against Workforce Cuts
KC Crosbie Elected Co-Chair of Republican National Committee
Teen Drug Overdoses Escalate in Dana Point, California, Sparking Community Concern
Additional Resources
- Kentucky Today: Hearing Loss Awareness
- Cincinnati.com: Education for Children with Disabilities
- WDRB: Weather Alert Radios for the Deaf
- Wave3: Program Helping Farmers with Hearing
- WCPO: FDA Authorizes AirPods as Hearing Aids
- Wikipedia: Hearing Loss
- Google Search: Hearing Loss Awareness Campaign
- Google Scholar: Hearing Loss Treatment
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hearing
- Google News: Kentucky Hearing Loss
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
