Governor Proclaims Hearing Loss Awareness Month 2023

WHEREAS, more than 1.2 million North Carolinians have a hearing loss, which impacts 30 percent of those ages 65 – 74, and 50 percent of those ages 75 and older; with proper hearing health care, communication access, and the abundance of resources in North Carolina, these individuals can have lives that are as meaningful and productive as anyone; and

WHEREAS, after arthritis and heart disease, hearing loss is the third most common treatable condition for older adults, affecting 532,000 North Carolinians ages 65 and up; and

WHEREAS, North Carolina is home to nearly 703,000 veterans, of which combat experience is associated with a 63 percent increased risk for hearing loss compared to nondeployed counterparts; and

WHEREAS, untreated hearing loss is associated with poorer overall health, including cardiovascular risk, cognitive changes, diabetes, balance disorders, and depression, and can lead socially-engaged adults to become isolated and withdrawn as their hearing loss progresses; and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 is a critical public health care issue, and efforts should be made to screen adults over the age of 50 for hearing loss as part of routine medical care; and

WHEREAS, the use of hearing aids, cochlear implants, assistive listening devices, transparent masks, effective communication, and self-advocacy tips as well as a wide variety of other resources can improve quality of life; and

WHEREAS, the United States Food and Drug Administration’s Rule to Establish Over-the-Counter (OTC) Hearing Aids went into effect on October 17, 2022; OTC hearing aids are now available for those 18 years and older with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss; and

WHEREAS, screening infants and children for hearing loss provides early access to language development, curricula, and resources, ensuring they can live full and productive lives;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim May, 2023, as “HEARING LOSS AWARENESS MONTH” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.