By Dr. Ava Rhodes, Au.D., Doctor of Audiology/Ear Nerd
September is Healthy Aging Month, which means health experts everywhere are reminding you to eat your greens, get your steps in, and see your doctor regularly. But here’s a question that often gets left out: When’s the last time you had your hearing checked?
If your spouse says you don’t listen and you respond with “What?”, well… that’s kind of the point.
Hearing: The Overlooked Health Hero
Hearing loss isn’t just about turning up the TV or missing the punchline of a joke. Untreated hearing loss can chip away at your overall health. It’s linked to cognitive decline, balance issues, depression, social isolation, and even increased risk of dementia.
Why? Because hearing is one of the brain’s favorite ways to stay engaged. When sound input is reduced, your brain works overtime to fill in the gaps—pulling resources from memory and problem-solving. Over time, that mental juggling act takes its toll.
It’s like trying to do your taxes while baking a soufflé and watching your grandkids—eventually, something’s going to collapse.
Healthy Aging Starts with Staying Connected
One of life’s biggest joys is connection—hearing your grandchild’s laughter, catching up over coffee, or listening to your favorite oldies station. When hearing fades, these moments can become stressful instead of joyful.
You might nod along without catching half the conversation, withdraw from social activities, or feel left out. And here’s the thing: social engagement is key to healthy aging. Staying socially active can boost brain health, reduce stress, and even help you live longer. Treating hearing loss isn’t just about hearing better—it’s about living better.
The Balance Connection
Your ears also help with balance. Hearing loss can sometimes go hand-in-hand with inner ear changes that increase fall risk. And as we age, preventing falls is critical for staying independent.
Healthy hearing supports healthy balance. When your ears aren’t sending clear signals, your footing can suffer. A hearing screening helps ensure your body stays aligned and steady.
The Brain Health Bonus
Studies, including research from Johns Hopkins, show that untreated hearing loss can increase the risk of cognitive decline. The good news? Treating hearing loss with hearing aids can help slow that process.
Your brain loves stimulation. By improving hearing, you’re giving your brain the sound input it craves—keeping neural pathways active and strong. Think of it as exercise for your brain—no treadmill required.
“I’ll Get to It… Eventually” Isn’t a Plan
Most people wait an average of seven to ten years from noticing hearing changes to doing something about it. That’s nearly a decade of missed conversations, extra brain strain, and unnecessary risk.
If you wouldn’t wait ten years to treat your vision, blood pressure, or cholesterol, why wait on your hearing?
The Screening is Quick and Easy
At Decibels Audiology, we make hearing care comfortable, straightforward, and yes—sometimes even enjoyable. A baseline hearing screening takes less than an hour, is completely painless, and gives you valuable insight into your overall health.
You’ll sit in a cozy chair, listen to a few sounds, and walk out with answers. And if you do need help, today’s hearing technology is sleek, discreet, and often Bluetooth-enabled—so you can take calls, listen to music, or binge podcasts right through your hearing aids.
Healthy Aging is About the Whole You
As an audiologist, I’ve seen firsthand how treating hearing loss transforms lives. Patients feel more confident, more connected, and even more energetic. They laugh more. They participate more. They enjoy life more.
When you hear better, you communicate better. When you communicate better, relationships improve. When relationships improve, your emotional and mental health get a boost. And when you’re emotionally and mentally healthy, you’re more likely to stay physically healthy, too.
Better hearing is a wellness multiplier.
A Few Tips for Healthy Ears at Any Age
• Schedule regular hearing screenings starting at age 50, or earlier if you notice changes.
• Protect your ears from loud noise at concerts, sporting events, or while mowing the lawn.
• Keep your overall health in check—conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and smoking can affect hearing.
• Don’t ignore early signs like ringing in the ears, turning up the TV, or asking people to repeat themselves often.
Let’s Make This September Count
Healthy Aging Month is the perfect time to take action. Call it a check-up for your connection to the world. Whether you’re 55 or 85, it’s never too early—or too late—to make your hearing health a priority.
Because here’s the truth: hearing well is living well. And life’s too short to miss the punchline.
Dr. Ava Rhodes, Au.D., is a Doctor of Audiology at Decibels Audiology & Hearing Center in Naples, Florida. She specializes in helping patients reconnect with the sounds and people they love, using state-of-the-art hearing technology and a personalized, compassionate approach.
Call today and schedule your complimentary hearing test and consultation.
Helping Southwest Florida hear better for over 15 years!
239-325-0596
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