Hey there,

July is usually a time when Louisiana’s live event calendar is bursting with open-air music and food festivals, as well as Independence Day parties and firework displays.

It’s not uncommon to walk away from these events with a temporary hearing loss. But in some cases, this can lead to more serious health problems later in life.

A public figure who knows all about the dangers is Huey Lewis, of Huey Lewis and the News. After a career spent touring the world, he was diagnosed with Meniere’s disease in 2018.

The condition often causes sudden bouts of vertigo. But it can also result in tinnitus, hearing loss, and other symptoms. Thankfully, after seeking treatment, Huey is now doing much better.

“I’m hoping to recover my hearing so we can get the band back together and play live,” he said in a recent NPR interview.

While in the past, people have felt too ashamed to discuss their hearing condition in public; today, many are bravely coming forward and dispelling prejudices.

Celebrities including Halle Berry, Barbra Streisand, Rob Lowe, and Robert Redford have all reduced the stigma of hearing loss by talking about their conditions.

Toy manufacturers have also been easing the worries of children, with American Girl releasing their 2020 doll of the year in January, who wears a hearing aid.

The more people who discuss a hearing condition, the easier it is for others to seek advice and assistance.

Now is the time to feel positive about your decisions. And more than ever, it’s crucial to let others know that successful treatments can lead to life-changing outcomes.