Healthy Hearing, Healthy Aging: October Is National Protect Your Hearing Month
October is National Protect Your Hearing Month, a great time to give a little extra attention to an important part of our overall health: our hearing.
Hearing loss becomes more common as we age. In fact, about one in three adults between ages 65 and 74 experiences hearing loss, and nearly half of adults over age 75 have difficulty hearing. While some hearing changes may happen naturally with age, there are simple steps you can take to protect the hearing you have.
Turn Down the Volume
Whether you’re watching a favorite television show, listening to music, or using headphones, keep the volume at a comfortable level. A good rule of thumb is that if you need to shout to be heard over the sound around you, it may be loud enough to damage your hearing.
Give Your Ears a Break
The louder the noise and the longer you are exposed to it, the greater the risk to your hearing. Move away from loud sounds when possible and take breaks from noisy environments.
Protect Your Ears Around Loud Noises
Everyday activities such as mowing the lawn, using power tools, attending concerts or sporting events, and watching fireworks can expose you to potentially harmful noise. When you can’t avoid loud sounds, consider wearing properly fitted earplugs or protective earmuffs.
Pay Attention to Changes
Hearing loss can happen gradually, which means you may not notice it right away. Some signs include:
Frequently asking people to repeat themselves
Turning the television or radio louder than others prefer
Having difficulty following conversations, especially in groups or noisy places
Feeling that people are mumbling
Having trouble hearing on the telephone
If you notice changes in your hearing, talk with your doctor or a hearing health professional. A hearing evaluation can help identify hearing loss and determine what options may help.
Stay Connected by Caring for Your Hearing
Good hearing helps us stay connected to family, friends, caregivers, and our community. It also helps us hear important everyday sounds, including telephones, doorbells, alarms, and warnings.
If you are a Meals on Wheels South Florida client and have questions about hearing care or need help finding local resources or a referral, please reach out to our office. We’re here for more than meal delivery—we care about the health, well-being, safety, and independence of every client we serve. If you’re not sure where to start, talk with us! We’ll be happy to help connect you with resources that may be available in our community.
This October, celebrate National Protect Your Hearing Month by turning down the volume, protecting your ears from loud sounds, and speaking up if you notice a change in your hearing. Small steps today can help protect your hearing for the sounds and conversations that matter most.
Helping Our Neighbors Stay Healthy & Connected
You can be part of that mission, too. Learn more about our programs, share our resources with someone who may need them, volunteer your time, or discover the many ways you can support older adults in our community. Together, we can help our neighbors stay nourished, connected, and cared for—one visit, one meal, and one connection at a time.
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