This month is National Audiology and Hearing Awareness Month. Conceived by The American Academy of Audiology, this focused time of education is dedicated to bringing awareness to audiology and hearing health. While hearing loss is commonly associated with the effects of aging, there are preventative measures you can put into place to help safeguard against it.
As audiologists, our job is to help educate about the prevention and management of hearing loss. One of our passions at SoundGate is to reassure you that if you (or a loved one) is dealing with hearing loss, you’re not alone – in fact, you’re in good company.
While hearing loss can oftentimes feel like an individual issue, it’s actually a universal one. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NICDC) notes, “One in eight people in the United States (13 percent, or 30 million) aged 12 years or older has hearing loss in both ears, based on standard hearing examinations.”
The NICDC also estimates that roughly 28.8 million adults in the United States could improve their hearing with hearing aids. That’s quite a significant number, to say the least. As audiologists, we’d love to see that number go down as more people embrace using hearing aids for assistance.
Taking control over your hearing health is in your hands, especially if you are younger. In my work, one of the biggest contributors to hearing loss that I see is loud noise. This can be prevented, if you know what you’re up against.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that about 40 million adults between the ages of 20 and 69 have hearing loss from noise. The really interesting part is that over half of them report that they experience “no on-the-job exposure to loud noise”. That means they don’t necessarily know what’s affecting their hearing long-term!
It can be difficult to tell at the moment if specific sounds are permanently affecting your hearing. But loud noises – especially at concerts and sporting events – can have a lifelong impact without you realizing. The CDC recommends custom ear protection, such as earplugs, when you know you’ll be exposed to loud sounds for a prolonged period of time. If you’re able, turn down the volume or distance yourself from the source of the sound.
One thing to keep in mind: once you’ve lost your hearing, we can help mitigate the loss but we cannot help you get it back. It’s never too early to start caring for your hearing.
Is there someone in your life who needs help facing their hearing loss? This is a great month to start a conversation with them. These topics can be sensitive to broach, but I assure you it’s worthwhile in the end. If you have questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at SoundGate. We’re here to help you.
Has it been awhile since you’ve had a hearing screening? Now might be a good time to schedule one. It can’t hurt to know more about your hearing, especially if you think you might be dealing with temporary or permanent hearing loss.
I’ve seen firsthand what a difference it can make when you decide to prioritize your hearing health. Come and visit one of our SoundGate locations. Our team is ready to provide you with hearing screenings, custom ear protection, or whatever you may need, always with compassion, care, and expertise.
Happy National Audiology Awareness Month!
Dr. Sarah Binfet
Hello, I am Sarah! I have been an Audiologist since 2019 when I received my doctorate degree from A.T. Still University in Arizona and undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota. I have a passion to help people with their hearing healthcare. Coming from a family with hearing impaired individuals, I know the importance for personalized hearing care and best Audiology practices. Raised in small town Minnesota, I enjoy my time being outside, on the golf course or on the lake up north. I have 2 young children who keep me on my toes and always laughing.
My name is Brooke, and I have been working at SoundGate Hearing since July of 2023. I love being a part of a team that puts the customers first. Being able to help others has always been a passion of mine. When I am not working, I love spending time with my family and traveling.
I have worked in a variety of roles in the hearing industry since graduating from Minnesota State University-Moorhead with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications. I have worked at SoundGate Hearing since 2013 and have substantial experience with both the technical and business sides of the industry. I understand the fundamental need to provide strong support for our patients. I spend my free time away from the office with my active family. I enjoy a wide variety of activities, including travel, hiking, camping, fishing, and all things outdoors. I am a passionate hockey and soccer parent and fan.
Hello, I am Kara, and I am so excited to continue serving the Buffalo area and providing hearing care at SoundGate Hearing. I grew up in SW, MN, in a small town, and I love the sense of community that small towns offer. I have worked at SoundGate since 2019 and love the personalized care this clinic provides patients. In my free time, I enjoy reading, staying active, spending time outdoors, and soaking up as much lake time as I can in our short MN summers.
Welcome! I am Dr. Sarah Binfet and I have been a Doctor of Audiology since 2006. I proudly served Veterans at the Minneapolis VA for nearly 9 years. I established Blaine Hearing Center in 2013 in conjunction with my husband's optometric practice. It has been a wonderful partnership and enjoyable to see each other at work! In 2015, I had the opportunity to grow my practice when I purchased SoundGate Hearing from my mentor, Dr. Wendy Davis. I genuinely love what I do and feel that helping people hear is essential to their quality of life. I believe in creating a welcoming and supportive environment in which the patient and their families can be educated on their hearing loss, hearing aid options, and how to have the best success with their hearing aids. At SoundGate, we deeply care about our patients and their outcomes. We want everyone to genuinely enjoy their hearing aids and the benefits they bring. I am committed to offering my patients the most up to date digital hearing aid technology, which is why I carry a full line of manufacturers. There is no one right hearing aid for everyone. It is my job to help my patients navigate the complex works of hearing aids and decide on which products best meet their needs, goals and budget. I have discovered the benefit of giving patients the opportunity to trial hearing aids out of the office. A hearing aid trial is most helpful in navigating the complex journey of better hearing. A Minnesotan through and through, I was raised in Eden Prairie, MN, received my undergraduate degree from the University of St. Thomas and my Doctor of Audiology degree from the University of Minnesota. When not at work, you will find me cooking, hitting up the newest restaurants and fitting in as much yoga as possible. During the weekend, you will find my husband Rodney and me with our three kids, Evelyn, Jake and Sam, loving the outdoors at our family cabin on Leech Lake. I look forward to meeting you.
My name is Kathy, and I am a Hearing Instrument Specialist (HIS) with SoundGate Hearing. I have been in hearing health for 18 years. I am passionate about helping people live their best lives with the best hearing possible. Getting to know patients is a joy for me. My position is a lot like a Nurse Practitioner’s. I am licensed to perform many services to help you while I work with and for the Audiologists for your best care. In my spare time, you will find my husband and I enjoying our three busy grandsons, reading with my book club, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. I am so glad to be part of the SoundGate Hearing team.