May is Better Hearing Month, and there's no better time to shine a spotlight on the importance of early detection, accurate diagnosis, and the life-changing power of hearing healthcare. GSI is proud to support hearing healthcare professionals in their mission to improve lives through cutting-edge diagnostic technology. Better Hearing Month has been recognized every May since 1927, when it was established by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)3. It was created to raise awareness about hearing loss and encourage the public to take their hearing health seriously. The message still rings true 98 years later—and it’s more important than ever.
Why Better Hearing Month Matters
This month is all about awareness. It's a chance to reduce the stigma around hearing loss, highlight the benefits of hearing aids and treatment, and encourage people to take that first step toward better hearing. Over 1.5 billion people are affected by hearing loss globally, including over 48 million Americans1. Hearing loss is becoming more common as younger people lose hearing due to noise exposure and baby boomers age2.
Better Hearing Month has become a perfect platform for reaching those reluctant to have their hearing tested. There are considerable negative social, psychological, cognitive, and health effects of untreated hearing loss with far-reaching implications that go well beyond hearing alone. In fact, those who have difficulty hearing can experience distorted and incomplete communication that seriously impacts their professional and personal lives, at times leading to isolation and withdrawal. That’s where we—and you—come in.
Public Education and Awareness
We believe hearing health appointments are just as important as your annual physical or eye exam. The sooner you catch changes, the sooner you can get the right support.
- Schedule a hearing checkup (yes, even if everything seems fine) - Have a hearing evaluation performed to determine just how much hearing loss you have, if any. This initial hearing test will serve as a baseline reading for tests in the future so, even if you’re 25 years old, see a hearing professional.
- Protect your ears in loud environments - Even if you’re just out mowing the lawn, invest in quality hearing protection. On the job, when things get a little too loud, put in some ear plugs. Try out noise-cancelling headsets! If you are exposed to a high level of noise each day, consider it an investment in the future of your hearing health.
Empowering Hearing Professionals with Innovation
Modern audiologic equipment is designed to make screening and diagnosing hearing loss a seamless process. Hearing healthcare professionals can rely on GSI for solutions in private practice, community clinics, schools, major health care systems, and more. These solutions will not only help improve access to diagnostic hearing healthcare but also make detecting early signs of hearing loss and monitoring hearing changes over time easier than ever before.
A Shared Commitment to Better Hearing
To our partners in the hearing healthcare community: Thank you for your tireless efforts and dedication. We're honored to be part of your commitment that will bring the gift of sound back to so many lives. Let’s use this month as a time to reflect, educate, and innovate.
Sources:
- Quick statistics about hearing, balance, & dizziness (September 20, 2024) National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.
- Deafness and hearing loss (2025) World Health Organization.
- National speech-language-hearing month (2025) American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
Laura Prigge, AuD is the Manager of Clinical Education and Training at GSI. Laura received her Doctorate of Audiology degree from AT Still University, a Master's of Arts in Audiology from UCONN and a Bachelor's of Science degree in Communication Disorders from Western Illinois University. Laura’s 20+ years of experience includes providing manufacturing support for a leading hearing aid manufacturer as well as technical audiology training and support for an international audiologic equipment company. Prior to that, she managed education and training at another hearing aid manufacturer and conducted audiologic evaluations on children, adults, and geriatric patients at a retail hearing center.