Hearing loss affects over a third of over-65s and up to half of seniors over 75. As Lehigh Valley residents age, it’s more common to experience a deterioration in our hearing. Being proactive in taking care of your hearing can help you lower risks. In this guide, we outline some simple steps to help you protect your hearing today.

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Schedule regular hearing assessments.

Most people experience gradual hearing loss. It can take months or even years for the effects of hearing loss to become obvious. This is why regular hearing assessments are so important. Hearing tests enable professionals to spot early warning signs and record changes. When you have a hearing test, you’ll be asked questions about your hearing. You’ll then be asked to respond or react to different sounds and noises. The findings help hearing care professionals determine how well you can hear in both ears and identify symptoms of hearing loss. Ideally, once you turn 50, you should attend routine hearing assessments every 1–3 years.

Seek professional advice if you notice changes in your hearing.

Seeking professional advice is hugely beneficial if you notice changes in your hearing. Not only can you access treatment options and support, in some cases, you can also reduce the risk of further deterioration. If you’re finding it hard to follow conversations, if it has become increasingly difficult to hear when background noise is present, or you’re turning up the volume on the TV or radio all the time, consider these as common signs of hearing loss. You might also think people are mumbling or talking quietly, or you are missing words or sentences during conversations. These can also be signs of hearing loss.

If you attend a hearing assessment and the results show evidence of hearing loss, there are some incredible solutions. If there is no underlying cause, such as an infection or a build-up of wax, you may be advised to consider hearing aids. Today, you can buy fashionable hearing aids that are discreet, stylish, and sleek, and benefit from amazing features, such as Bluetooth connectivity and customized settings. Hearing aids amplify sounds, making it easier to hear in every environment.

Shield your ears from loud noises.

One of the best ways to protect your hearing is to shield your ears from loud noises. From trains and planes to music and machinery, our ears are subjected to high levels of noise in everyday life. It’s particularly beneficial to use earplugs or other hearing protection if you’re exposed to loud noises at work or you travel on public transport in big cities daily. Repeated exposure can damage the delicate hairs inside the ears, increasing the risk of hearing loss.

We often take our hearing for granted. We don’t think about how important and amazing it is to hear until we experience signs of hearing loss. Hearing loss is common as you get older, but there are steps you can take to protect your hearing. Examples include scheduling regular hearing assessments, seeking expert advice if you notice changes in your hearing, and shielding your ears from loud noises.