For many adults, staying active means spending time doing the things they love, such as golf outings, group fitness classes, live music, sporting events, woodworking, hunting, motorcycle riding, or busy social gatherings with friends and family. These activities can be enjoyable and rewarding, but many of them also involve high noise levels that can put your hearing at risk over time.
At Brookway Hearing, we work with many active adults who want to protect their hearing without giving up the activities they enjoy. The good news is that with a few smart habits, you can take care of your hearing while continuing to live fully and stay engaged.
Hearing damage does not always happen all at once. In many cases, it builds gradually after repeated exposure to loud sounds. That means even activities that feel routine can take a toll if they happen often enough or last long enough.
Common noisy activities include:
If your ears ring after an event, sounds seem muffled, or conversations feel harder to follow afterward, those may be signs your ears have been exposed to too much noise.
One of the best ways to protect your hearing is to think ahead. Before heading into a noisy environment, take a few steps to reduce your risk.
Hearing protection is one of the simplest and most effective ways to help prevent noise-related hearing damage. Depending on the activity, this may include foam earplugs, reusable filtered earplugs, or custom hearing protection.
At Brookway Hearing, we’re excited to share that we will soon be launching Filter Labs, a line of custom hearing protection! These custom-made solutions will be created specifically for your ears, offering a comfortable fit and reliable protection for the activities you enjoy most. Whether you are attending concerts, working on home projects, spending time at sporting events, or taking part in other noisy activities, personalized hearing protection can help you protect your hearing with greater comfort and confidence.
For example, someone attending concerts may want earplugs that lower volume without distorting sound, while someone using power tools or participating in shooting sports may need a different level of protection.
A good rule of thumb is this: if you have to raise your voice to be heard by someone nearby, the environment may be loud enough to damage your hearing over time.
Even when you cannot avoid loud settings, reducing how long you stay in them can help. Taking quiet breaks gives your ears time to recover.
The closer you are to the source of the noise, the greater the risk. Standing farther from speakers, engines, tools, or other loud equipment can make a meaningful difference.
Hearing protection only helps if you use it consistently. Many people bring earplugs with them but forget to wear them until they are already in the middle of the noise. Keeping protection in your gym bag, golf bag, car, workshop, or jacket pocket can make it easier to build the habit.
It is also important to use the right protection for the situation. A loud concert, a leaf blower, and a shooting range do not all call for the same type of solution. Choosing the proper fit and style can improve both comfort and effectiveness.
If you already wear hearing aids, talk with your hearing care provider about how to manage them safely during especially noisy or dusty activities. In some situations, it may make sense to remove them temporarily and use hearing protection instead.
Active adults often put their hearing devices through a lot. Sweat, humidity, dust, wind, and debris can all affect performance over time. Whether you wear hearing aids regularly or only during certain activities, proper care helps them work their best.
After exercise or outdoor activities, wipe your hearing aids gently with a clean, dry cloth. Moisture and debris can build up faster than many people realize.
When you are not wearing your hearing aids, store them in a safe, dry place. Avoid leaving them in hot vehicles, damp bags, or bathroom counters where moisture can collect.
Wax, dust, and moisture can interfere with sound quality. If your hearing aids seem weaker, less clear, or inconsistent, they may need cleaning or service.
Regular check-ins can help catch small problems before they become bigger ones. Professional cleaning, adjustments, and performance checks are especially helpful for patients with active lifestyles.
Sometimes people assume they are hearing “well enough” because they can still get by in quiet settings. But noisy places are often where early hearing difficulty becomes more noticeable.
You may want to schedule a hearing evaluation if you notice:
These changes can be subtle at first, but they are worth paying attention to.
Being active is good for your health, your mood, and your quality of life. Protecting your hearing helps make sure you can keep enjoying the sounds that go with it, conversations, laughter, music, and everyday moments with the people around you.
At Brookway Hearing, we help patients find practical ways to protect their hearing, manage hearing changes, and keep their devices performing well. If you have questions about hearing protection, hearing aid care, or changes you have noticed in noisy environments, we are here to help.
Ready to take better care of your hearing? Contact Brookway Hearing to schedule an appointment and talk with our team about hearing protection, hearing testing, or hearing aid maintenance.
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Ross's academic journey began with an Associate of Science degree, providing him with a robust foundation in scientific principles. His professional path has been shaped by his family's influence, as he's been immersed in the hearing device industry since childhood. Today, Ross stands as a licensed Hearing Aid Specialist in Ohio, a title he's held for nearly three years. He's committed to continuous learning, currently pursuing National Board Certification to further enhance his expertise.
Ross's role as a hearing instrument fitter is not just a job, but a mission. He works tirelessly to improve the lives of his patients by helping them manage their hearing loss effectively. With each fitting, he aims to bridge the communication gap that hearing loss can create, fostering stronger relationships and enhancing overall quality of life.
Outside of being a dispenser for Brookway Hearing, Ross is currently serving as the President of Strongsville Toastmasters, an international organization dedicated to helping members improve their public speaking and leadership skills. Concurrently, he's actively engaged in the Strongsville Men's Hockey League, showcasing his dedication and passion for sports.
P.S. Ross is also a member of the International Hearing Society, an organization that supports hearing healthcare professionals worldwide. This affiliation reflects his commitment to staying updated with the latest industry trends and best practices.
Meet Robert, the founder of Brookway Hearing Center, is dedicated to enhancing patients' auditory experiences. After honorably serving in the U.S. Air Force, Robert pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology from the University of Akron's College of Health Professions. His comprehensive education equipped him with a deep understanding of the science behind hearing and the art of communication. His studies explored the mechanics of the outer, middle, and inner ear, as well as the complex processes of sound perception and interpretation by the brain.
Robert is Nationally Board Certified in Hearing Instrument Sciences and has earned the Audioprothologist designation from the International Hearing Society. With over 24 years of experience, Robert has been testing, fitting, and dispensing a wide range of hearing devices.
Brookway Hearing Center was established with the strong support of Robert's wife and co-owner, Michelle Pavlik, who played a pivotal role in the office's success.