Why Hearing Health Deserves a Spot in Your Annual Wellness Routine
When was the last time you had your hearing checked?
If you can’t remember, you’re not alone. Most adults can recall their last eye exam or dental cleaning, but hearing exams often get left off the list.
That’s a problem. Hearing isn’t just about what you hear. It’s about how you think, connect, and live.
Hearing Health Is Whole-Body Health
Research continues to show that untreated hearing loss doesn’t stop at the ears. It can affect the brain, emotional health, and even physical safety. Studies from Johns Hopkins University found that adults with untreated hearing loss are at a significantly higher risk for cognitive decline and dementia compared to those who use hearing aids
Hearing loss has also been linked to higher rates of social isolation and depression and an increased risk of falls. In contrast, treating hearing loss early, especially with hearing aids, helps people stay more socially and mentally active, improving quality of life.
Just like blood pressure or vision, hearing can change gradually over time. The earlier you detect those changes, the easier they are to manage. Regular hearing exams give you a baseline for comparison, so small shifts can be addressed before they begin to interfere with daily life.
What Happens During a Hearing Exam
A comprehensive hearing evaluation is simple and comfortable. At HEAR Wisconsin, one of our licensed Doctor’s of Audiology will:
Talk with you about your health and hearing history.
Examine your ears to check for wax buildup or other issues.
Test how well you hear sounds at different pitches and volumes.
Review the results and, if hearing loss is present, discuss personalized options - from hearing aids to assistive devices or communication strategies.
You’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of your hearing health.
Why Routine Hearing Checks Matter
Think of your hearing like your eyesight. You wouldn’t wait seven years to get your eyes checked if things started to get blurry. But, on average, that’s how long most people wait before seeking help for hearing loss. During that time, the brain is missing valuable sound input, which can make it harder to adapt once hearing aids are finally used.
Adding hearing exams to your annual wellness routine helps you:
Catch issues early before they impact work, relationships, or quality of life.
Keep your brain active by ensuring consistent sound stimulation.
Stay connected to the people and moments that matter most.
Protect your safety by hearing warning sounds like doorbells, alarms, and approaching vehicles.
It’s Easier Than You Think
For many adults, hearing exams are covered by insurance, including Medicare Advantage and most private health plans. Even if you’ve never had a hearing concern, a baseline test at age 50 (or sooner if you’re often in noisy environments) can set the stage for lifelong hearing wellness.
Your hearing deserves the same attention you give to your eyes, teeth, and heart. When you include hearing care as part of your regular health routine, you’re investing in your independence, confidence, and overall well-being.
Take the Next Step
If it’s been more than a year since your last hearing exam, or if you’ve never had one, now’s the perfect time.
Contact HEAR Wisconsin’s Audiology Clinic at 414-604-7219 to schedule a comprehensive hearing exam.