As we enter a new world of hearing care, armed with a scientific field that is booming with research on hearing disorders, their prevention, and management, audiologists know the general population can keep hearing loss, tinnitus, and even subclinical issues at bay.

Preventive hearing care, tailored to the whole person rather than just the ears, is something only an audiologist can provide. It goes far beyond a hearing screening and impacts almost every aspect of life. Historically, hearing conservation is linked to factory workers, musicians, military personnel, and the like. However, that antiquated view of hearing loss prevention does not recognize the diversity of the general population, each body’s unique health status and experiences in sound, and the years of evidence-based research that demonstrate that hearing loss prevention care extends beyond noise exposure! A modern definition of hearing loss prevention would be centered around maintaining auditory (hearing) health to maintain overall health, as hearing wellness has been linked to a decrease in stress among other benefits!

Statistics are often called upon when discussing hearing loss. For example, the World Health Organization states that by 2050, 700 million people will have hearing loss worldwide. In the United States, 1 in 8 individuals has a hearing issue. But, how many of those losses can be prevented? More than we count! As we enter a new world of hearing care, armed with a scientific field that is booming with research on hearing disorders, their prevention, and management, audiologists know the general population can keep hearing loss, tinnitus, and even subclinical issues at bay. The problem? Access to audiologists.

For most individuals, permanent hearing loss is caused by one of 5 things, some of which can be related to the aging process: Loud sound exposure, genetic predisposition, vascular health, disease and virus processes, and certain pharmacotherapies. There’s no doubt that other sensory systems experience decline or permanent injury from these same categories. However, while the general population knows to see a dentist or an eye doctor every year for a wellness check, most individuals do not realize that an audiologist should be included in their annual healthcare routines.

For individuals in the modern workforce, access to audiologists is imperative.
Recent data show that 74% of the full-time workforce experience auditory fatigue at the end of their work day with 61% admitting to taking breaks during their workday because of listening fatigue. Why? More than half are wearing earbuds, earphones, headphones, or headsets as part of their job without the guidance of an audiologist.

Audiologic telehealth has boomed in the 21st century and Tuned makes it easier and more convenient than ever for individuals to check in with an audiologist, complete a hearing screening, and receive expert guidance and recommendations on caring for the sense that helps them communicate with family, coworkers, and friends — their ears.

‍