The new year is a perfect time to set goals and create habits that lead to a healthier, happier life. While you’re busy crafting resolutions for fitness, mindfulness or financial success, there’s one area that often gets overlooked: hearing health. It’s time to give your ears the attention they deserve.
The Big Picture: Why Hearing Health Matters
Your hearing health isn’t isolated. It affects every part of your life. Three side effects of untreated hearing loss may include:
- Increased risk of cognitive decline. One Johns Hopkins study found that even mild hearing loss could double your risk of developing dementia.
- Social isolation. Multiple studies have shown that hearing loss can cause older adults to withdraw socially, leading to increased feelings of social isolation and loneliness. These feelings can, in turn, contribute to poor mental health.
- Safety risk. You rely on your ears to keep you aware of information like fire alarms, honking cars and passing bikers at Waverly Beach Park. With untreated hearing loss, these sounds may seem quieter or disappear altogether, increasing your safety risk.
Resolutions for Better Hearing in 2025
Small changes can make a big difference in your hearing health. Here are practical resolutions to kick off your journey:
- Protect your ears from noise. Noise exposure is one of the most preventable causes of hearing loss. Resolve to protect your ears by wearing earplugs in loud environments and keeping the volume of your music below 85 dB.
- Keep your ears object-free. When your ears feel full of wax or water, it can be tempting to clean them out with a cotton swab—but it is essential for your hearing health to resist the urge. Cotton swabs can push earwax deeper or damage your eardrum, potentially leading to temporary or permanent hearing damage. Opt for professional cleaning if necessary.
- Schedule a hearing test. Baseline testing helps catch hearing changes early. If you’re over 50, have been frequently exposed to loud noise or notice signs of hearing loss, call Evergreen Speech and Hearing Clinic today to schedule a test.
- Explore hearing aids. Modern hearing aids are sleek, customizable and loaded with smart features. They can help minimize the side effects of hearing loss and keep you connected with the people around you. Don’t wait another moment to start treatment.
Your ears deserve the same care and attention as your eyes or teeth. Don’t let hearing issues linger. Commit to better hearing in 2025 and enjoy the sounds of life at full volume. Contact Evergreen Speech and Hearing Clinic to discuss your hearing with one of our specialists.