When your eyesight begins to fade, it doesn’t take long to notice. You may find yourself squinting at checkout screens, struggling to read fine print on food labels, or holding your phone at just the right angle to see who’s calling. Eventually, you schedule an eye exam, get your glasses or contacts, and move on with life.
Your vision plays a vital role in helping you stay active, socially engaged, and mentally sharp. So naturally, when things start to blur, most people take action quickly.
But when it comes to hearing loss, the story is very different.
Why hearing loss is easier to overlook
Unlike changes in your vision, hearing loss can sneak up on you gradually. You might not realize how often you’re asking people to repeat themselves or how loud the TV volume has gotten, until your grandchildren point it out. And instead of seeking help, many people adapt, such as sitting closer, lip-reading more, or avoiding noisy restaurants altogether.
On average, people wait 7 to 10 years before seeking treatment for hearing loss. Imagine waiting a decade to correct your vision—why do we tolerate hearing changes for so long?
The link between vision and hearing health
Sight and sound are your primary tools for navigating the world. You rely on vision to read facial expressions, recognize danger, and take in beauty. You rely on hearing to understand speech, enjoy music, and connect with loved ones.
Research shows that hearing and vision loss often occur together. In fact, for every line missed on a standard vision chart, there’s an 18% increased likelihood of measurable hearing loss. So if your eyes aren’t what they used to be, it’s wise to check your ears too.
Why untreated hearing loss puts your brain at risk
Most people assume hearing happens in the ears, but it’s actually your brain that processes and interprets sound. When hearing begins to decline, your brain gets less stimulation. Over time, this lack of input causes changes in the brain’s structure and function.
Johns Hopkins researchers have discovered that untreated hearing loss is linked to brain shrinkage and cognitive decline. MRI scans show that brain tissue responsible for processing sound can actually deteriorate without proper auditory stimulation.
This decline can manifest in ways that look like memory problems or confusion, especially in older adults. What may appear as forgetfulness could simply be the brain struggling to decode sounds and words it no longer recognizes well.
The good news? Early intervention with hearing aids helps preserve these brain functions and significantly reduces the risk of developing dementia.
If you’ve waited, you’re not alone, but don’t wait longer
Think you’ve already waited too long to do something about your hearing? Don’t worry, it’s never too late to take the first step.
Many people who finally get hearing aids after years of delay are surprised by how much they were missing. You can retrain your brain to interpret sound again. Start slowly. Practice conversations in quiet environments, listen to familiar music, and gradually reintroduce yourself to noisy situations like restaurants or family gatherings.
Protect both of your senses
If you’ve recently needed glasses or an updated prescription, take it as a sign to schedule a hearing evaluation as well. Hearing loss doesn’t just impact your social life, it affects your brain health, balance, mood, and memory.
The connection between hearing and vision is stronger than many people realize. By staying proactive about both your hearing and vision, you give yourself the best chance to remain sharp, independent, and connected to the world around you.
Don’t put it off. Book your hearing test with a local hearing specialist today.