Dear Friends,

I’ve just returned from a trip and can still remember a lament from a fellow traveler whose wife was having difficulty hearing him and following the thread of our conversations. She asked often, “Can you repeat that?”

It got me thinking about a common ailment as we age – hearing loss. Apparently, hearing loss affects nearly a third of adults over 65 and 50% of those over 75. Wow! Given how often and common this is, I understand from research that many of us hesitate to acknowledge it — or to do something about it. It was certainly true of my husband who not only refused to acknowledge his hearing loss, but blamed me for not speaking loudly enough.

There were other signs, too. He complained that conversations sounded muffled. He would turn up the volume on the TV or radio louder than I could handle. And he did best when he could read lips as people were talking to him. Because listening was a lot of work for him, he was often tired after socializing with family and friends.

I have a better understanding now about why hearing loss happens. Over time, the delicate cells in our inner ear naturally wear down. Years of exposure to noise, certain medications, or medical conditions such as diabetes can accelerate this process. The result is presbycusis, or age-related hearing loss.

From personal experience, I’ve come to appreciate why hearing loss matters. Hearing isn’t just about sound — it’s about connection. Untreated hearing loss can lead to:

  • Social isolation: avoiding gatherings because they’re hard to follow.
  • Cognitive decline: studies show a link between hearing loss and memory issues, even dementia.
  • Safety risks: difficulty hearing alarms, traffic, or someone calling out.

Here’s unsolicited advice if you feel you are at risk of hearing loss:

  • Get tested early: A simple hearing test can establish a baseline.
  • Explore options: Today’s hearing aids are smaller, smarter, and more effective than ever. Some connect directly to your phone or TV.
  • Protect what you have: Avoid loud environments when possible, and use ear protection at concerts or when using power tools.
  • Consider assistive devices: Captioned phones, TV amplifiers, and personal amplifiers can make daily life easier.

Hearing loss is common, but it doesn’t have to limit your life. By paying attention, seeking help early, and embracing today’s technology, you can stay connected, engaged, and fully present in the moments that matter.

Best,
Cora