Listen Up! Annual Hearing Tests Matter.

Why is getting your ears checked annually important?

Just like you get your eyes and teeth checked every year, you should be getting your hearing checked annually, too. It’s essential to establish a baseline for your hearing, so that if any changes occur down the road, we know how much it’s changed. That way, we can monitor your hearing health over the course of your lifetime. Many people start to notice hearing changes in their 50s, but it’s best to get a hearing test sooner to have that initial benchmark for comparison.

What is tinnitus, and how is it related to hearing loss?

Tinnitus is the perception of ringing in the ears, and it’s often associated with hearing loss. If someone is experiencing tinnitus, it’s definitely a reason to get a hearing test. In many cases, hearing devices can help manage or reduce the symptoms of tinnitus while also treating the underlying hearing loss.

What happens if hearing loss goes untreated?

One of the biggest issues we see with untreated hearing loss is social withdrawal. People stop participating in conversations and events because they can’t hear well, which can lead to depression. There are also safety concerns. If you can’t hear a smoke detector or a car coming up behind you, that puts you at risk. Hearing loss also leads to fatigue because your brain is working harder to process sound, which can make you more tired or irritable. There’s a link — though not a direct cause — between hearing loss and dementia. The more severe the hearing loss, the stronger the correlation. It can even impact your career. If you’re struggling to hear at work, it can affect your performance and earning potential.

What are the solutions for hearing loss?

There’s a wide range of options when it comes to treating hearing loss, primarily through hearing devices. Today’s devices are incredibly sophisticated. These advanced devices make it easier for you to hear more clearly, especially in noise with less effort. Many are powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, which means they can adapt to your environment in real time to give you the best possible speech clarity. The devices are rechargeable, and Bluetooth connected to your cell phone. These smart technologies are evolving constantly to better support people in a wide variety of listening situations.

How do you help make hearing devices affordable? Does insurance cover them?

Some insurance plans cover hearing devices, but it varies widely. Certain employers include hearing benefits in their insurance offerings, and some Medicare Advantage or Medicare Replacement plans also provide coverage. It is important to call your insurance provider to understand your hearing benefits. To help with affordability, we offer interest-free financing through CareCredit.