Business Insight presented by Northwest Speech and Hearing Center Hearing Health Begins with Prevention Hearing loss is more common than most of us recognize. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, 1 in 8 people in the United States aged 12 and older have hearing loss in both ears. In most cases, the onset is gradual and often goes unnoticed in the early stages. As we age, certain signs may start to appear - frequently asking others to repeat themselves, needing to turn up the volume on the tv or radio, or having difficulty in understanding conversations in noisy environments. While many of us schedule an annual physical, eye exam, and even visit the dentist once or twice a year, too often we overlook regular hearing check-ups. A visit with an audiologist may involve a range of tests that assess your hearing and identify any underlying issues before they become more severe. When caught early, audiologists can offer treatments and interventions that help preserve your hearing and improve daily communication, social engagement, and overall well-being. Audiologists can also test for balance or dizziness and determine if those issues are related to a problem with the auditory system or a different health concern. While regular check-ups with an audiologist are your best preventative measure for minimizing and treating hearing loss, there are other steps you can take to protect your long-term hearing wellness. Consider wearing earplugs at concerts or other high-volume events. Marie Vetter-Toalson, Au.D Wear ear protection if your work or even household chores place you in loud environments. If you frequently use headphones or earphones, giving your ears regular breaks is important. Use noise-canceling headphones to block out external noise so you can enjoy music or other audio content at a lower, safer volume. Maintain a healthy lifestyle by not smoking, managing chronic conditions like diabetes or cardiovascular disease, and getting at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise at least several times each week. Remember, too, that a visit to an audiologist does not require a referral from your primary physician. Before 2025 comes to an end, take the first step toward protecting your long-term hearing by scheduling an evaluation with an audiologist at Northwest Speech and Hearing Utilize volume-limiting features Center. Make your appointment by on personal audio devices. ww Northwest Speech and Hearing Center Ltd. calling 847-392-2250 or visit www. nwhearing.com to learn more. | Northwest Speech and Hearing Center 1100 W. Central Rd., Ste. 409 Arlington Heights, IL 60005 847-392-2250 Business Insight presented by Northwest Speech and Hearing Center Hearing Health Begins with Prevention Hearing loss is more common than most of us recognize . According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders , 1 in 8 people in the United States aged 12 and older have hearing loss in both ears . In most cases , the onset is gradual and often goes unnoticed in the early stages . As we age , certain signs may start to appear - frequently asking others to repeat themselves , needing to turn up the volume on the tv or radio , or having difficulty in understanding conversations in noisy environments . While many of us schedule an annual physical , eye exam , and even visit the dentist once or twice a year , too often we overlook regular hearing check - ups . A visit with an audiologist may involve a range of tests that assess your hearing and identify any underlying issues before they become more severe . When caught early , audiologists can offer treatments and interventions that help preserve your hearing and improve daily communication , social engagement , and overall well - being . Audiologists can also test for balance or dizziness and determine if those issues are related to a problem with the auditory system or a different health concern . While regular check - ups with an audiologist are your best preventative measure for minimizing and treating hearing loss , there are other steps you can take to protect your long - term hearing wellness . Consider wearing earplugs at concerts or other high - volume events . Marie Vetter - Toalson , Au.D Wear ear protection if your work or even household chores place you in loud environments . If you frequently use headphones or earphones , giving your ears regular breaks is important . Use noise - canceling headphones to block out external noise so you can enjoy music or other audio content at a lower , safer volume . Maintain a healthy lifestyle by not smoking , managing chronic conditions like diabetes or cardiovascular disease , and getting at least 30 minutes of moderate - intensity exercise at least several times each week . Remember , too , that a visit to an audiologist does not require a referral from your primary physician . Before 2025 comes to an end , take the first step toward protecting your long - term hearing by scheduling an evaluation with an audiologist at Northwest Speech and Hearing Utilize volume - limiting features Center . Make your appointment by on personal audio devices . ww Northwest Speech and Hearing Center Ltd. calling 847-392-2250 or visit www . nwhearing.com to learn more . | Northwest Speech and Hearing Center 1100 W. Central Rd . , Ste . 409 Arlington Heights , IL 60005 847-392-2250