Simple Steps for Better Hearing in 2026

Many people focus on physical fitness and nutrition when setting goals for 2026, but hearing health deserves the same attention. Your ability to hear connects you to family conversations, helps you stay safe, and plays a vital role in your overall quality of life.

Research links hearing health to cognitive function, social engagement, and mental wellbeing. When hearing becomes difficult, many people start avoiding social situations. This withdrawal can lead to isolation and reduced quality of life. By addressing hearing health proactively, you're investing in your ability to stay active and connected.

Think of hearing care like any other aspect of your health. Regular monitoring catches problems early, when treatment options are most effective. Whether that means protecting your ears from damage, addressing existing hearing loss, or staying current with technology that helps you hear better in challenging environments, proactive care makes a difference.

Schedule Regular Hearing Evaluations

Regular hearing evaluations help monitor your hearing health over time. Many people wait until they notice significant difficulties before seeking help, but early detection allows for more effective treatment.

Common signs of hearing loss include:

• Frequently asking others to repeat themselves
• Turning up the TV or radio louder than others prefer
• Difficulty following conversations in restaurants or group settings
• Feeling that people mumble or don't speak clearly
• Finding phone conversations challenging
• Missing doorbells or other household sounds
• Feeling mentally tired after social gatherings

Most people wait 7-10 years after first noticing hearing difficulties before seeking help. During this time, the brain gradually loses its ability to process certain sounds, making eventual treatment more challenging.

Our comprehensive hearing evaluations include:

• A detailed discussion of your medical history and lifestyle
• Physical examination of your ears
• Advanced audiometric testing in a sound-proof booth
• Speech recognition testing
• Speech-in-noise testing to measure how well you understand conversation in background noise

For adults with normal hearing, testing every two years provides a good baseline. If you have existing hearing loss, annual checkups help track changes. Those exposed to loud noise through work or hobbies may benefit from more frequent monitoring.

Maintain Your Hearing Aids Properly

If you wear hearing aids, proper maintenance helps them perform at their best and extends their lifespan. Well-maintained hearing aids provide better sound quality and last longer.

Daily maintenance should include:

• Wiping the devices with a soft, dry cloth
• Checking for and removing any earwax buildup
• Inspecting the microphone ports for debris
• Keeping battery contacts clean
• Storing in a dry, safe place overnight
• Placing rechargeable devices in their charger
• Checking that your domes or custom molds are clear of wax

Common maintenance mistakes to avoid:

• Using water or cleaning solutions not designed for hearing aids
• Leaving devices in bathrooms where shower steam causes moisture damage
• Storing hearing aids in direct sunlight or hot cars
• Wearing devices while using hairspray or aerosol products
• Forgetting to change wax guards regularly

During Phoenix's hot summers, moisture can damage hearing aids. High humidity and perspiration can work into internal components, causing static, distortion, or complete device failure. We offer professional cleaning services and Redux dehydration treatment to remove harmful moisture.

We recommend professional cleaning every 4-6 months. During these appointments, we:

• Perform electroacoustic analysis to verify proper function
• Replace worn components like tubing and domes
• Clean microphone ports and receivers
• Check battery performance
• Update programming if needed
• Verify your devices are meeting your hearing needs

Protect Your Hearing in Loud Environments

Noise-induced hearing loss is permanent but preventable. Any sound above 85 decibels can potentially damage hearing over time. Common sources include lawn equipment, power tools, concerts and sporting events, firearms, and industrial machinery.

Custom hearing protection offers the best defense against noise damage. Unlike generic earplugs, custom-molded options provide a perfect seal while maintaining speech clarity. We use advanced 3D ear scanning technology called Otoscan to create perfectly fitting custom earplugs tailored to your specific needs.

Know When to Update Your Hearing Technology

Hearing aids typically last 5-7 years with proper care. Technology advances rapidly, and newer devices often provide better performance. Modern hearing aids from manufacturers like Phonak Infinio, Oticon Intent, Starkey Omega AI, ReSound Vivia, Widex Allure, and Signia IX represent significant advancements in hearing technology.

Signs it might be time to update your technology:

• Your current devices no longer meet your hearing needs, even after adjustments
• You're having trouble hearing in specific situations that used to be manageable
• Your lifestyle or hearing has changed significantly
• Your devices require frequent repairs or are out of warranty
• You find yourself avoiding certain situations due to hearing difficulties
• Your devices don't connect to your smartphone or other modern technology
• You're experiencing more fatigue from trying to hear in challenging situations
• Your hearing aids are more than 5 years old and you're curious about new technology

The Role of Real Ear Measurements

When getting new hearing aids, proper programming makes all the difference in your success. Real Ear Measurement (REM) verifies your hearing aids are providing exactly the right amount of amplification for your unique hearing loss.

REM works by placing a tiny microphone in your ear canal while wearing your hearing aids. This measures the exact sound levels reaching your eardrum. We play different sounds and speech signals to test various frequencies, then adjust your hearing aids until they match your precise prescription targets. The process is repeated for both ears and different listening programs.

Without REM verification, your hearing aids might provide too much amplification in some frequencies (causing discomfort) or too little in others (missing important speech sounds). This can lead to poor sound quality, feedback issues, difficulty hearing in background noise, and frustration with your hearing aid performance.

Start Your Journey to Better Hearing

Better hearing starts with a single step. Our audiologists at Applied Hearing Solutions are ready to help you achieve your hearing health goals for 2026. Whether you need a baseline hearing test, are considering new hearing aids, or want custom hearing protection, we provide comprehensive care following best practices.

Contact our Phoenix office at 602-877-0000 to schedule your consultation. Our commitment to best practices and use of Real Ear Measurements ensures you'll receive the highest standard of hearing care.