Better Hearing Month: How to Advocate for Your Hearing Health

Make your hearing a priority this May—and beyond

May is Better Hearing Month, and there’s no better time to take charge of your hearing health. Whether you’re experiencing early signs of hearing loss or simply want to maintain good hearing for years to come, this month is a powerful reminder: your hearing matters. And just like any other aspect of your health, it deserves attention, care, and advocacy.

We believe that better hearing leads to a better life. Here’s how you can become your own best advocate and support others on their journey to clearer, more confident communication.

1. Start With a Hearing Screening

The first step to advocating for your hearing health is knowing where you stand. Many people wait years before seeking help for hearing loss—often because they underestimate the impact or assume it's a normal part of aging. But the earlier hearing loss is detected, the easier it is to manage.

Pro tip: Schedule a hearing screening as soon as possible. It’s quick, painless, and will give you a clearer picture of your hearing health.

2. Know the Signs of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss often sneaks up gradually. You might think others are mumbling or that the TV volume just isn’t what it used to be. Some common signs include:

• Frequently asking people to repeat themselves
• Difficulty following conversations in noisy environments
• Turning up the TV or radio louder than others prefer
• Ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Feeling exhausted after social situations due to the effort of listening

If any of these things sound familiar, it may be time to take the next step and have your hearing checked.

3. Understand Your Options

Today’s hearing aids are nothing like the bulky, whistling devices of the past. Modern hearing aids are discreet, powerful, and customizable to your lifestyle.

Our hearing care professionals will walk you through the styles, features, and technology that best suit your needs. Whether you're interested in rechargeable models, connectivity with your smartphone, or enhanced speech understanding in noise, there's a solution that fits your life.

4. Speak Up About Your Hearing Needs

Advocating for your hearing health means speaking up—not just to your doctor, but also to friends, family, and coworkers. Let others know how they can support you:

• Ask people to face you when speaking
• Request quieter seating in restaurants
• Use captions during video calls or streaming
• Take advantage of hearing aid accessories that improve clarity in challenging environments

Open communication fosters understanding—and ensures you stay connected to the people and activities you love.

5. Encourage Others to Get Checked

Hearing loss affects millions of people, yet it’s often underdiagnosed and undertreated. This month, use your voice to help others. Encourage loved ones to schedule a hearing screening or share your own story to inspire someone else to seek help.

Better Hearing Month is about more than just awareness—it’s about action.

Take the First Step With Beltone

With over 85 years of experience and more than 1,200 locations nationwide, Beltone is here to help you hear life to the fullest. Our compassionate hearing care professionals are ready to guide you through every step—from testing and fitting to ongoing support.

Ready to advocate for your hearing health?

Find your nearest Beltone location and book your free hearing screening today.