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New Year, New Habits: Why Looking After Your Hearing Health Supports Active, Healthy Ageing

Contributed by Sarah Sheehan

15/01/2026 • 2 min read

At Hidden Hearing, we see the start of a new year as a valuable moment to pause and reflect on overall wellbeing. While January often focuses on fitness or nutrition, one vital part of healthy ageing is frequently overlooked. Hearing health.

Hearing plays a central role in how people communicate, stay active, and maintain independence. Yet hearing loss is one of the most common health conditions among adults, and it often develops so gradually that early warning signs are easy to dismiss. Struggling to follow conversations in busy places, turning up the television, or feeling fatigued after social events can all indicate early changes to your hearing.

Left unaddressed, hearing loss can impact quality of life in many ways. Reduced social engagement, increased mental strain, and difficulty participating in day to day activities can contribute to feelings of isolation. Studies consistently link untreated hearing loss to increased cognitive load and reduced overall wellbeing.

The positive news is that hearing can be protected, hearing loss is manageable and outcomes are significantly better when changes are identified early.

Our Reassuringly Thorough Approach

As part of maintaining overall health, regular hearing checks are increasingly recommended, especially from the age of 50 onwards. Hearing assessments offer clarity, reassurance, and guidance on how best to protect long term hearing wellness.

We provide a Reassuringly Thorough, 7 Step Hearing Assessment, designed to give every person a complete overview of their hearing. The assessment includes a detailed lifestyle discussion, video otoscopy, a series of audiological tests, clear explanation of results, personalised recommendations, and the opportunity to ask questions. This structured process ensures that every individual receives precise, attentive care in a relaxed and supportive environment.

Simple Habits to Stay Sharp, Active and Engaged

Healthy hearing goes hand in hand with everyday habits that support vitality and independence.

1. Exercise Your Brain

Keeping the mind stimulated helps maintain cognitive strength. Learning a new skill, language, or hobby keeps the brain active, while small swaps - puzzles, crosswords, or creative activities - can boost mental fitness.

2. Break Routine

Routine is comfortable, but change stimulates the brain. Try a new route to work, use your non dominant hand for simple tasks, or experiment in the kitchen to keep your senses sharp.

3. Stay Connected

Regular contact with family, friends, and community supports wellbeing. Healthy hearing makes socialising easier, helping people remain confident and engaged.

4. Keep Moving

Regular activity - walking, dancing, swimming, gardening - lifts mood and energy and supports overall brain and cardiovascular health, both essential for ageing well.

A Simple Step Toward a Healthier Year

A hearing check is as routine as monitoring eyesight or blood pressure. It provides reassurance, early detection, and practical advice that can support long term wellbeing. As the year begins, prioritising your hearing health can help you stay active, sharp, and fully engaged in life.

Those wishing to learn more about their hearing can book a free, reassuringly thorough 7 Step Hearing Assessment in any of our clinics nationwide.

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Written by: Sarah Sheehan, Chief Audiologist, ISHAA Member
Sarah Sheehan is an esteemed member of our HR, L&D and Compliance Department, who joined Hidden Hearing in 2018 as an audiologist. Sarah’s career has seen her work in a wide range of areas within the company and she is committed to providing education about audiology and keeping abreast of current audiology trends.