The Power of Proactive Hearing Care

The Power of Proactivity: Think of Hearing Care Like Sunscreen, Not a Band-Aid

We’re great at being proactive with most aspects of our health. We slip on sunscreen before heading outdoors, get regular dental checks, and even schedule skin screenings all before there’s a problem. However, when it comes to our hearing, many of us wait until we notice something’s changed before acting. 

Your hearing deserves the same everyday care as your skin or your smile. Just like protecting your skin from the sun, looking after your hearing early can help preserve it for the future. In this blog, we’ll share proactive tips on how to make hearing care part of your routine to keep you confident and connected to life’s many sounds.

Why Proactive Hearing Care Matters

Hearing loss often develops gradually, so the early signs can be easy to miss.¹ You might find yourself:

• Turning the TV volume up higher than usual.
• Struggling to follow group conversations.
• Feeling tired after social events because listening takes more effort. 
• Thinking others are mumbling when they speak. 

Acting early can make a big difference. Studies suggest that those who address hearing changes sooner are more likely to stay socially active, maintain cognitive function, and enjoy better quality of life.² When hearing is supported, your brain may not have to work as hard to fill in gaps. This means less fatigue and more mental energy for the things you love. 

Make Hearing Care Part Of Your Self-Care

Caring for your hearing doesn’t need to be complicated, it can slot right into your daily wellness habits and routine. Here’s how to make it easy and sustainable:

• Schedule a hearing check every year: Just as you would schedule an annual eye or dental exam, a hearing check helps you track your baseline and spot any shifts in your hearing.³ Connect Hearing offers hearing checks that take less than an hour. 
• Give your ears a break from loud noise: The World Health Organisation estimates over 1 billion young and middle-aged adults are at risk of hearing damage from recreational noise.⁴ Whether it’s concerts, lawn mowing, or using power tools, protect your ears by wearing earplugs or earmuffs. 
• Turn down the volume, especially on headphones: Keep personal devices at no more than 60% volume and take listening breaks every hour.⁵ Noise-cancelling headphones can help reduce background noise, making it easier to listen at comfortable volumes.
• Keep your overall health in check: Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and poor circulation can all affect hearing over time. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and staying hydrated can all support healthy blood flow to the inner ear.⁶ 
• Stay socially engaged: Maintaining conversations, joining social groups and staying connected with loved ones can help keep the auditory system active.⁷Think of it like exercise for your ears and brain.
  

Being proactive about hearing care isn’t about expecting a problem, it’s about protecting the sounds and moments that make life vibrant. By thinking of hearing care like sunscreen, not a band-aid, you can take control of your wellbeing and keep those connections strong for years to come. 
To take simple, preventative steps in your hearing health, book an appointment at your local Connect Hearing clinic today. Our friendly team of experts will assess your hearing and offer support and tools to protect your hearing health for the future.

Use Technology And Alerts Proactively

Modern vehicles offer plenty of visual and sensory features to support safe driving, from lane departure warnings to blind-spot indicators. Many of these alerts can reinforce the cues you may not hear. 

To make the most of your car’s technology:

• Familiarise yourself with any visual or vibration alerts your car provides. 
• Use additional camera systems or wide-angle mirrors for improved visibility. 
• Adjust your navigation system for clear, easy-to-read visual prompts, or stream directions directly to your hearing aids via Bluetooth if possible.

Prioritise Your Hearing Health

Hearing can be a key part of safe, confident driving, so keeping it well supported is essential.⁴ According to Austroads, drivers with hearing loss can continue driving safely if they’re aware of their limitations and have regular hearing checks. 

To stay road-ready and confident:

• Schedule a free hearing check at your local Connect Hearing clinic and mention that you drive regularly. 
• Talk to your hearing care professional about your driving habits and whether your hearing aids can be fine-tuned to support you in that environment. 
• If you notice changes to your hearing, such as missing noise alerts, increased fatigue, or finding it challenging to hear in noisy environments, make an appointment for a hearing check

References:

1. National Institute on Aging, (19 January 2023), Hearing Loss: A Common Problem for Older Adults, National Institute on Aging, accessed 28 October 2025. International Journal of Audiology (24 March 2023), Social-emotional well-being and adult hearing loss: clinical recommendations, Taylor & Francis, accessed 28 October 2025.

2. National Institutes of Health (8 August 2023), Hearing aids slow cognitive decline in people at high risk, National Institutes of Health, accessed 28 October 2025. 

3. Johns Hopkins Medicine (n.d.), Baseline Hearing Test, www.hopkinsmedicine.org, accessed 28 October 2025. 

4. World Health Organisation (21 March 2025), Deafness and Hearing Loss: Safe Listening, www.who.int, accessed 28 October 2025. 

5. Cedars-Sinai Blog (24 August 2023), How to Prevent Hearing Loss in Young People, www.cedars-sinai.org, accessed 28 October 2025. 

6. Ear Science Institute Australia (22 May 2023), The Role of Exercising in Hearing Health, www.earscience.org.au, accessed 28 October 2025.

7. International Journal of Audiology (24 March 2023), Social-emotional well-being and adult hearing loss: clinical recommendations, Taylor & Francis, accessed 28 October 2025.