Communication Is at the Heart of Everything  

Posted on by Midwest Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists

Communication Is at the Heart of Everything  

This May, Let’s Talk About It 

Every meaningful moment in our lives involves communication. A conversation with a friend. Hearing your grandchild laugh. Following along at a noisy family dinner. When hearing works well, we often take it for granted. But for the millions of Americans living with hearing loss, communication takes real effort, and real support. 

May is National Speech-Language-Hearing Month, an annual observance led by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) to raise awareness about communication disorders and the professionals who treat them. This year’s theme, “Speech and Hearing Hero,” celebrates the clinicians, caregivers, and patients who champion communication every day. 

At Midwest Hearing and Midwest ENT Specialists, we’re proud to be part of that mission, and this month is a great reminder to check in on your hearing health. 

Hearing Loss Is More Common Than You Might Think 

Hearing loss is the third most common chronic health condition in the United States, ranking behind only cardiovascular disease and arthritis. It affects more Americans than cancer or diabetes combined. Yet many people wait years before seeking help. 

It can happen at any age. Common causes include: 

  • Aging (presbycusis) 
  • Prolonged noise exposure – from work, concerts, or even earbuds 
  • Genetics 
  • Underlying medical conditions like diabetes or cardiovascular disease 
  • Certain medications 

Warning signs to watch for include difficulty following conversations in noisy places, frequently asking others to repeat themselves, turning the TV up louder than others prefer, or a ringing in the ears (tinnitus). 

If hearing loss comes on suddenly, see a provider right away, this can be a medical emergency. 

Why Treating Hearing Loss Matters for Your Overall Health 

Untreated hearing loss is about much more than missing words in a conversation. Research increasingly links it to serious health concerns, including: 

  • Increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia (hearing loss is now recognized as the single highest modifiable risk factor for dementia) 
  • Higher rates of depression, anxiety, and social withdrawal 
  • Greater fall risk 
  • Reduced quality of life and social connection 

Encouragingly, treatment makes a real difference. A landmark 2023 study, the ACHIEVE Trial, found that hearing intervention was associated with a 48% reduction in cognitive decline over three years in at-risk adults. The earlier hearing loss is addressed, the better the outcomes. 

Communication Takes Teamwork 

Living well with hearing loss isn’t just about the technology, it’s also about how we communicate with one another. Whether you have hearing loss yourself or love someone who does, small adjustments go a long way. 

If you have hearing loss: 

  • Speak up about what you need, whether that’s quieter environments, seating where you can see faces, or written follow-ups at work 
  • Use accessories with your hearing aids, like a remote microphone in noisy settings or a TV streamer at home 
  • Try speech-to-text apps (like Otter or Live Transcribe) for real-time support in difficult conversations 
  • Encourage the people around you to rephrase rather than repeat when you’ve missed something 

If you’re speaking with someone who has hearing loss: 

  • Get their attention before you start speaking, a gentle tap on the shoulder or saying their name first 
  • Keep your face visible and avoid covering your mouth, chewing, or talking from another room 
  • Speak clearly and naturally; no need to shout 
  • Reduce background noise when possible and choose well-lit spaces 
  • Ask what works best for them. Everyone’s hearing needs are different. 

Remember: hearing aids help a great deal, but they don’t restore perfect hearing, especially in noisy environments. Patience and flexibility from everyone in the conversation makes a real difference. 

Speech and Language Health Matters Too 

National Speech-Language-Hearing Month isn’t just about hearing, it’s also a time to spotlight the important work of speech-language pathologists (SLPs). Voice challenges, swallowing difficulties, stuttering, and delays in speech or language can affect people of all ages, and early intervention is key. 

At Midwest ENT, our licensed speech-language pathologist Ann Smith, MS, CCC, works with children and adults navigating voice and swallowing challenges; part of our integrated care team dedicated to helping patients communicate and live well. 

Take the Next Step This May 

Whether you’ve been putting off a hearing test, wondering if hearing aids might help, or noticing changes in a loved one’s hearing, this month is a great time to act. 

We offer comprehensive hearing assessments, personalized treatment plans, and the full range of hearing solutions; from hearing aids and accessories to cochlear implants for those who need them most. 

Call us at 651-770-1363 or visit mwhearing.com to schedule your appointment. 

Because communication is health,  and you deserve to stay connected to every conversation that matters.