Each September, Healthy Aging Month highlights the importance of taking an active role in health as we age. While exercise, nutrition, and cognitive stimulation often dominate the conversation, hearing health is an equally critical piece that deserves attention. At The Hearing Aid Shop, we emphasize hearing as a cornerstone of overall wellness, vital for communication, independence, and long-term cognitive health.
Physical health forms the foundation of healthy aging. Regular exercise supports cardiovascular strength, bone density, and mobility, helping older adults remain independent longer. Balanced nutrition is equally important—meals rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins support immune resilience and energy levels.
Cognitive health is another critical area. Engaging in lifelong learning, problem-solving, or creative pursuits strengthens the brain and helps delay cognitive decline. Adequate sleep and stress reduction strategies further protect brain function.
Social wellness ties these elements together. Meaningful relationships and social engagement reduce loneliness, improve mood, and promote overall well-being. Whether through family gatherings, volunteer work, or group activities, staying socially active provides a sense of purpose and belonging.
Despite its importance, hearing health often remains overlooked. Approximately one in three adults over 65 experiences some form of hearing loss, yet treatment is frequently delayed. Untreated hearing loss impacts nearly every aspect of health. Communication becomes challenging, which can erode relationships and contribute to social withdrawal. Safety is compromised when environmental cues like alarms, traffic, or voices go unheard. Most concerning, research has established a strong link between hearing loss and cognitive decline, with untreated hearing challenges increasing the risk of dementia.
Proactive care is essential. Just as older adults monitor heart health, vision, and cholesterol, hearing should be part of routine evaluations. Annual screenings help detect changes early, when interventions can be most effective. Addressing hearing loss promptly not only improves daily communication but also supports mental health, cognitive resilience, and long-term independence.
Healthy Aging Month offers a reminder to focus on hearing, the often-neglected aspect of wellness. By prioritizing hearing care alongside other health practices, older adults can safeguard their communication, confidence, and quality of life.
At The Hearing Aid Shop, we encourage patients and families to embrace a comprehensive view of health. Aging well requires attention to every dimension of wellness, from physical strength to emotional resilience, and hearing is a central piece of this puzzle. This month, take the step by scheduling a hearing evaluation. Early action can make the difference between aging with isolation or aging with connection, purpose, and clarity.
Thomas Caruso is a second-generation, Nationally Board Certified Hearing Healthcare Dispensing Practitioner with over 40 years of experience serving patients in both New York and Pennsylvania. Specializing in adult hearing care, he earned his National Board Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences in 1988.
Throughout his distinguished career, Thomas has not only provided exceptional patient care but has also contributed to the advancement of the hearing healthcare field. He has served as an educator and consultant to many of the nation’s leading hearing aid manufacturers, retailers and laboratories, sharing his knowledge and expertise to help shape best practices within the profession. His work has taken him across the United States and Canada.
Born and raised in Jamestown, New York—where he continues to reside with his family—Thomas has been a dedicated member of the International Hearing Society since 1984 and is actively involved in the Hearing Healthcare Alliance of New York State. His commitment to the profession, combined with his decades of experience, has made him a trusted and respected leader in hearing healthcare.
