By Sarah Sesslar, Au.D. Doctor of Audiology/Ear Nerd
When you think of August, you probably think of back-to-school time. Stores are stocked with notebooks, pencils, back-packs, and new shoes. Kids (and parents) are preparing for a fresh start—getting organized, setting routines, and checking off the important “to-do” lists that set the tone for a successful year ahead.
But here’s a thought: What if older adults had their own version of back-to-school season? After all, who says a fresh start is just for kids?
At Decibels Audiology, we like to think of August as a time to check in on your own health—and hearing is a great place to start.
The “Hearing Test” You’ve Been Putting Off
Most of us are good at keeping up with our yearly physicals, eye exams, and dental checkups. But hearing? That often gets left off the list. In fact, the average person waits seven years from the time they first notice hearing loss to the time they seek treatment.
That’s seven years of missing out on conversations, struggling to hear in noisy restaurants, saying “What?” more than you’d like, and possibly even avoiding social gatherings because it’s too frustrating to keep up.
As an audiologist, I see this every day. Patients come in and say, “I wish I’d done this sooner.”
So why not treat August like a health reset? Just like students get their vision screened or their immunizations updated before school starts, it’s a smart idea for adults—especially older adults—to schedule a hearing evaluation.
Hearing Loss Is About More Than Just Volume
Many people assume hearing loss is like turning the volume down on life. But it’s not just about “loudness.” Hearing loss often starts with clarity. Maybe voices sound muffled. Maybe you mix up words or misunderstand what’s said. Maybe you notice that it’s especially hard to hear when there’s background noise.
And untreated hearing loss isn’t just inconvenient—it can lead to serious health consequences, too.
Studies have shown links between untreated hearing loss and:
• Cognitive decline and memory issues
• Increased risk of falls
• Social isolation and depression
• Accelerated brain shrinkage over time
When you consider all that, a hearing test seems like a pretty simple first step to protect your overall health.
Hearing Is Part of Whole-Body Wellness
At Decibels Audiology, we approach hearing health the same way your primary care doctor approaches your general health. We’re not just interested in selling hearing aids—we’re interested in helping you stay sharp, social, and connected to the people and activities you love.
Think of your hearing as part of your whole-body wellness routine. Just like you wouldn’t skip your annual checkup or ignore high blood pressure, it’s important to check in on your hearing regularly—whether you’re noticing changes or not.
A Test Now Means Peace of Mind Later
One of the best things you can do for your long-term hearing health is establish a baseline hearing test.
Even if you think your hearing is “fine,” having a record of your hearing now makes it much easier to catch changes early. If your hearing does change over time, we’ll know exactly where you started—and that helps us make better recommendations for treatment or monitoring.
Plus, a hearing evaluation is quick, easy, and completely complimentary at our clinics.
Make Hearing Part of Your Fall Routine
As the summer winds down and life settles back into a routine, take a moment to prioritize your own health. If you’ve never had your hearing tested, or if it’s been more than a year since your last check, August is the perfect time to schedule an appointment.
At Decibels Audiology, we make the process easy and friendly in a relaxing atmosphere. Our team will walk you through every step, explain your results clearly, and answer all your questions. If you need treatment, we offer solutions that fit your lifestyle and budget. And if you don’t? You’ll walk away with peace of mind knowing you’ve taken care of an important part of your health.
Your “Back to School” Assignment: Call Us!
This August, give yourself an A+ in health by scheduling a hearing evaluation. After all, life is meant to be heard—whether it’s the laughter of grandkids, the punchline of a joke, or just the birds in your backyard.
At Decibels Audiology, we’re here to help you listen to all of it.
Call today and schedule your complimentary
hearing test and consultation.
Helping Southwest Florida hear better for over 15 years!
239-325-0596
napleshearingaids.com