Hearing health awareness and prevention

National Save Your Hearing Day is observed annually on May 31 to raise awareness about hearing loss prevention. Our ability to hear is often taken for granted—until it is impacted. This day is an important reminder to take proactive steps to protect hearing throughout life.

According to the World Health Organization, over 430 million people worldwide have disabling hearing loss, and approximately half of all cases are preventable.

🔊 Why Hearing Health Matters

Noise-induced hearing loss can occur suddenly or develop gradually over time due to repeated exposure to harmful noise levels. Once hearing is damaged, it is typically permanent—making prevention essential.

✔️ Simple ways to protect your hearing:

• Wear ear protection in loud environments (earplugs or earmuffs)
• Keep device volume below 60% when using earbuds or headphones
• Take regular listening breaks from audio devices
• Schedule routine hearing screenings
• Avoid inserting objects into the ear canal

📚 Learn more: https://www.betterhearing.org

🏫 MSU Resources for Hearing Health

MSU Collaborative Care clinic

Located on campus, the clinic provides comprehensive hearing evaluations and treatment for all ages, including augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) services for individuals with complex communication needs. Services include:

• Assistive listening devices/hearing assistive technology
• Aural rehabilitation
• Balance/vestibular assessment
• Central auditory processing evaluation
• Earmolds/custom ear pieces
• Hearing aid consultation
• Hearing aid fitting and dispensing
• Hearing aid maintenance
• Hearing aid orientation
• Hearing evaluations
• Hearing protection
• Hearing screenings (including newborns)
• Preventive services and community education

💙 Hearing-Related Benefits for MSU Employees

🏥 Medical Insurance Coverage

Mo State’s medical plan includes limited coverage for hearing-related services, including:

• Initial hearing aid coverage when hearing loss results from a covered surgical procedure during active coverage
• Newborn hearing screenings, re-screenings, audiological assessments, and initial amplification
• Hearing aid placement or replacement for children up to age 18 (per MO HealthNet guidelines)

⚠️ Routine hearing exams and hearing aids outside of these criteria are not covered under the medical insurance plan.

👓 VSP Hearing Savings Program

Employees enrolled in the VSP vision plan have access to hearing aid savings and wellness programs, including discounted pricing and support services through participating providers.

Current VSP hearing offers may include:

• 💲 Discounts on hearing aids through participating providers
• 🔊 Access to TruHearing® programs for reduced-cost devices
• 🔧 Follow-up care, fittings, and warranty support options
• 🔋 Savings on select rechargeable and premium hearing aid models
• 🔗 Explore current offers:  $45 Hearing exam; up to 20% off Over-the-counter Hearing aid, 120 Batteries for only $39, and more

💰 Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Hearing aids and related out-of-pocket expenses may be eligible for reimbursement through a Health Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA). Employees enrolled in Mo State’s FSA plan can submit qualifying expenses to ASIFlex for reimbursement.

The FSA Store provides a convenient way to shop for products that are FSA-eligible, including medical, vision, dental, and hearing items. Employees can browse and shop.

The FSA Store also offers ongoing savings opportunities to help maximize FSA dollars, including current promotions such as:

• • $50 off $400* — Use code: SAVEBIG50
  • $35 off $300* — Use code: SAVEBIG35
  • $20 off $200* — Use code: SAVEBIG20

🧏‍♂️ Final Reminder

Take time this May 31 to turn down the volume—and prioritize your hearing health for the long term.