People with hearing loss have a new place on the Internet to share their concerns and challenges and to learn about the latest developments in the field.

The Better Hearing Institute (BHI) has launched a seven-topic megablog that offers the latest hearing-health news and that provides a forum for people to discuss hearing
concerns and personal stories and challenges.

One of the most commonly unaddressed health conditions in America today, hearing loss affects more than 31.5 million Americans - most of whom are below retirement age. Hearing loss can strike at any time and at any age. And when left unaddressed, hearing loss can affect practically every aspect of an individual's life.

BHI Executive Director Sergei Kochkin, Ph.D., will contribute to the blog along with close to 40 other hearing-health experts, who will feature a wide variety of perspectives.

Kochkin encourages members of the public to contribute to the blog and to actively monitor it for the latest news about hearing health.

"Despite the far-reaching impact hearing loss has on so many aspects of an individual's life, many people who are aware that their hearing has deteriorated are reluctant to seek help - despite remarkable technological advances," Kochkin said. The Better Hearing Blog will provide information, insights and inspiration to help people explore their hearing challenges. It will help people see that they are not alone, that others share their concerns and that help is available."

Numerous studies have linked untreated hearing loss to a wide range of physical and emotional conditions, including irritability, negativism, anger, fatigue, tension, stress, depression, avoidance or withdrawal from social situations, social rejection and loneliness, reduced alertness and increased risk to personal safety, impaired memory and ability to learn new tasks, reduced job performance and earning power, and diminished psychological and overall health.

Kochkin also points out that 90% to 95% of people with hearing loss can be helped with hearing aids - and enjoy significant improvement in their quality of life.

The Better Hearing Blog will post short articles with experts and cover seven key topics, including Hearing Loss, Technology for Hearing Loss, Hearing-Healthcare Journey, Pediatrics, Hearing-Loss Prevention, Family Relationships and Tinnitus (a ringing or buzzing in the ear not caused by any external stimulus).

The blog features postings ranging from the toll of tinnitus on military personnel returning from Iraq and Afghanistan to questions about a study claiming that the ping from a titanium golf club may harm people's hearing.

To learn more, visit http://www.betterhearing.org/blog.