When you first think about how to stay active as you grow older, physical fitness and healthy nutrition may be the two must-dos that are on the top of the list. While fitness and diet are very important for aging well, it may surprise you that maintaining good hearing health is also important and good hearing health helps us stay active and engaged as we age. Here are a few reasons why.

Staying in Touch. Good communication is at the heart of so many of our daily interactions. It is also key to establishing deeper relationships with family and friends. When hearing is difficult, conversations become hard to follow. Not only does it become harder for you to understand, but the person you are communicating with can become frustrated. Either way poor communication means weaker ties to those we love.

Staying Sharp. Processing sound well helps the brain stay active and sharp. Studies have shown that untreated hearing loss is connected to cognitive decline which together overtime can reduce quality of life.

Staying Engaged. Because communication becomes more difficult, it is also common for someone with untreated hearing loss to isolate themselves from difficult listening situations, which overtime reduces their engagement with the community and with friends and family.

What can you do to maintain your hearing health? Here are some ideas to get you started:

If you suspect hearing loss:

  • Don’t delay another day. Call and schedule a hearing test
  • Talk to your spouse, a trusted-friend or relative about what you are experiencing
  • Make a list of common listening scenarios that you are finding difficult to discuss with your hearing care provider

If you don’t suspect hearing loss:

  • Make an appointment for a hearing test to establish a hearing health baseline. Your hearing care provider will recommend a schedule for regular follow ups based on the results
  • Be mindful of noise – turn down the volume and wear ear protection when necessary

Our team of audiologists and hearing care professionals would be happy to answer any questions you have about maintaining good hearing health. Contact us today!