Hearing loss is a natural part of aging, but that doesn’t mean it should be ignored. Staying informed and proactive about hearing health can protect your independence, safety, and emotional well-being. Whether you’re starting to notice subtle changes in your hearing or supporting a loved one who is, understanding your options is the key.

Why Hearing Loss Happens as We Age

Age-related hearing loss, also known as presbycusis, is one of the most common chronic conditions in older adults. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD):

• About 1 in 3 adults aged 65 to 74 experiences hearing loss.
• Nearly half of those aged 75 and older have difficulty hearing.

This type of hearing loss typically develops gradually, affecting both ears equally, and often goes unnoticed until communication becomes difficult or frustrating. While it’s not reversible, early intervention and support can make a big difference.

What You Can Do to Help Prevent or Delay Presbycusis

Although some hearing loss is inevitable with aging, healthy habits can help preserve your hearing longer:

1. Protect Your Ears from Loud Noises
   • Avoid long-term exposure to loud sounds such as construction noise, music at high volume, or fireworks.
   • Wear hearing protection (like earplugs or noise-canceling earmuffs) in noisy environments.
2. Keep Volume Low on Personal Devices
   • Use headphones at safe volume levels. A good rule: if others can hear your music, it’s too loud.
3. Maintain Cardiovascular Health
   • Poor blood circulation can affect hearing. Managing conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol helps protect your inner ear.
4. Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol
   • Smoking and excessive alcohol use have been linked to higher risks of hearing loss.
5. Manage Earwax Safely
   • Don’t use cotton swabs inside your ears. Blocked ear canals can cause temporary hearing loss and may worsen long-term damage.
6. Get Regular Hearing Checks
   • Annual screenings help detect changes early and give you more options for intervention.

How Untreated Hearing Loss Affects Your Health

Hearing loss doesn’t just affect your ability to communicate. It can have a serious impact on overall well-being. Left unaddressed, it may contribute to social isolation, depression, cognitive decline, and even a higher risk of falls. Fortunately, with early detection and timely intervention, many of these complications can be avoided, helping seniors stay connected, mentally sharp, and safe.

Why Seniors Should Get Hearing Tested Annually

Regular hearing tests are a key part of maintaining overall health and quality of life as we age. Experts recommend that older adults have their hearing checked at least once a year. These screenings can help:

• Detect hearing issues early—before they begin to interfere with communication
• Identify specific types of hearing loss that may require medical treatment
• Uncover underlying health issues, such as infections, earwax buildup, or nerve-related problems

If you’re not quite ready to schedule an in-person checkup, online hearing tests are also available and can be a helpful first step. Taking action early—whether online or in person—can lead to timely support, personalized care, and better long-term outcomes.

FDA Approved OTC Hearing Aids

In 2022, the FDA approved the sale of OTC hearing aids for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss. This means seniors can now purchase hearing support without a prescription or professional fitting—a huge help for those who may have limited access to an audiologist or want a more affordable solution.

Today’s OTC hearing aids range from simple sound amplifiers to self-fitting devices you can adjust using a smartphone. Some newer models look like regular tech accessories—such as Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 or Nuance Audio Glasses, which combine hearing assistance with prescription lenses.

OTC hearing aids are available at major U.S. pharmacies and retailers, including:

• Pharmacies: CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid
• Retail Stores: Walmart, Best Buy, Target
• Online: Amazon, Lexie Hearing, MD Hearing, Sony Hearing Solutions, JLab

Take Charge of Your Hearing Health

Hearing loss doesn’t have to limit your lifestyle. With the rise of FDA-approved OTC hearing aids and online tools, seniors now have more options than ever to manage their hearing on their own terms—affordably, conveniently, and confidently.

If you or a loved one has noticed changes in hearing, don’t wait. Explore your options, try a hearing test, and consider whether an OTC hearing aid might be the right first step.