Today we are recognizing May 2008 as Hearing Loss Awareness Month in the state of Michigan. We passed a resolution recognizing that today. Currently, 31 million Americans have hearing loss, of which I am one. As baby boomers reach retirement age starting in 2010, this number is expected to rapidly climb and nearly double by the year 2030. It is estimated that 1.4 million people in the state of Michigan have hearing loss. Among senior citizens, hearing loss is the third most-treatable disabling condition preceded by arthritis and hypertension.

While 95 percent of people with hearing loss could be successfully treated with hearing aids and listening devices, only 22 percent currently use them. Every day approximately 3 in 1,000 infants are born profoundly deaf or with a partial hearing loss, making hearing loss the No. 1 birth defect in America.

Hearing loss can greatly hinder everyday, ordinary communication. People with hearing loss often feel a sense of isolation and decreased self-confidence. It is important that people with hearing loss in the state of Michigan be aware that there are many deaf, deaf/blind, and hard-of-hearing organizations, audiologists and hearing professionals, assisted listening device manufacturers, and support groups that offer a large range of solutions to help people with hearing loss. It’s also important that those who do not suffer with hearing loss understand the problems and the services which are needed by those who do have that loss.

Today, it gives me good pleasure to say that this Senate and members of this body recognized May 2008 as Hearing Loss Awareness Month for the state of Michigan.