Press release:

This May marks the 86th anniversary of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s Better Hearing Month, an event dedicated to raising awareness about hearing loss treatment and the challenges facing those who live with limited hearing.

To further this goal, Highline Hearing Professionals in Burien will be offering free hearing screenings by appointment throughout the month of May.

“Both regular hearing checkups and the protection of your existing hearing are key to preserving your hearing health,” says Rebecca Grady of Highline Hearing Professionals. “And for those who are living with untreated hearing loss, Better Hearing Month is a good time to learn more about recent technological advances in hearing aids. Today’s devices are vastly superior to those of even just a few years ago.”

Figures from the World Health Organization (WHO) released in February 2013 show that hearing impairment is now more widespread than ever. Over 360 million people around the world are afflicted with disabling hearing loss—a number that includes one-third of people over age 65 and a staggering 32 million children. Half of all cases can be avoided through prevention.

“We’re seeing a growing number of younger people who have issues with their hearing,” says Grady. “The sooner we can detect hearing issues, the easier it is to treat them and prevent additional hearing damage from occurring.”

More information about the diagnosis of hearing loss, treatment options and prevention can be found at hearingloss.com.