WHEREAS, North Carolina is home for nearly 660,000 veterans, who experience as much as 60 percent increased risk for hearing loss and tinnitus; and
WHEREAS, untreated hearing loss is associated with poorer overall health, including cardiovascular risk, cognitive decline, dementia, brain shrinkage, diabetes, balance disorders, and depression, and can lead socially engaged adults to become isolated and withdrawn as their hearing loss progresses; and
WHEREAS, hearing loss has become a critical public health care issue, and efforts should be made to screen and treat everyone for hearing loss as part of routine medical care; and
WHEREAS, identifying and treating hearing loss early can lower health risks, improve quality of life, and help reduce overall health care costs for all North Carolinians; and
WHEREAS, screening infants and children for hearing loss provides early access to language development, curricula, and resources, ensuring they can lead full and productive lives; and
WHEREAS, there are many services, supports, and resources that can enhance the lives of those with hearing loss in our communities; and
WHEREAS, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, statewide consumer advocacy groups, Early Hearing Detection and Intervention, the Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and Hearing Loss Association of America and its North Carolina chapters all work to improve the lives of those with hearing loss; and
WHEREAS, research shows that the use of hearing aids, cochlear implants, assistive listening devices, clear masks, and other technology can improve quality of life of those with hearing loss;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim May, 2022, as “HEARING LOSS AWARENESS MONTH” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.