Logo of Highline Hearing, featuring text in bold and light green, with a Seattle skyline silhouette.
Logo of Highline Hearing, featuring text in bold and light green, with a Seattle skyline silhouette.

Dec 15, 2025

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Lori Lovato MA, FAAA, Audiologist

How Proactive Hearing Care Helps John Enjoy His Retirement

Just three months into retirement, John noticed something unexpected: “Low-level ringing in the ears had developed.”  

After decades of hard work, he was ready to embrace his new chapter, but this subtle change caught him off guard. Like many retirees, you may find yourself becoming more attuned to the small shifts in your health as you adjust to a new pace of life.  

Staying proactive about your hearing ensures you can make the most of every moment in your retirement and enjoy this well-earned stage of life. 

A Lifetime of Hard Work and Hearing Protection 

John’s story is one of diligence and care. For nearly 40 years, he worked in a noisy mechanical room and was always mindful of the risks.  

“I had always worn the required hearing protection and would undergo an annual hearing test where my hearing was determined to be near perfect,” he recalls.  

His commitment to safety is a reminder that protecting your hearing is essential, especially in loud environments. Yet, even with the best precautions, long-term exposure to noise can still have subtle effects.  

Tinnitus, a persistent ringing or buzzing in the ears, is common among those who have spent years in noisy workplaces, even if, like John, they’ve taken every recommended step to protect their ears. It’s a gentle nudge that hearing health is an ongoing journey, not a one-time task. 

Choosing Highline Hearing for Answers 

When John noticed the ringing, he didn’t ignore it or hope it would go away on its own. Instead, he chose to take action by scheduling a comprehensive hearing evaluation with Highline Hearing.  

“The team was very professional and very detailed in testing,” he shares. 

You benefit from this same level of thoroughness and care, as advanced testing goes beyond the basics, ensuring that even the smallest changes in your hearing are identified early.  

A proactive approach gives you the information and reassurance you need to move forward with confidence. 

The Relief of Expert, Honest Guidance 

John’s evaluation brought good news: He didn’t need hearing aids yet. But more importantly, the process gave him peace of mind and valuable insight into his hearing health.  

You can rest assured that at Highline Hearing, the focus is always on what’s best for you. Rather than rushing into unnecessary treatments, the main point of each appointment is helping you understand your hearing and make informed decisions. 

When you walk through our doors, you’re treated as an individual, with your unique story and needs at the center of every decision. John’s experience is a testament to the honesty, transparency, and patient-centered care you can expect.  

Why Proactive Hearing Care Matters in Retirement 

Retirement is your time to enjoy life: conversations with loved ones, favorite hobbies, travel adventures, and meaningful connections. Your hearing is essential to fully experiencing these moments. 

Regular testing and early detection help you avoid frustration, isolation, or missed opportunities down the road. When you prioritize your hearing health, you protect your independence and your ability to savor every sound that retirement brings.  

As John urges, “Absolutely have your hearing checked. Highline Hearing performed testing above and beyond anything I had experienced, and I was very impressed.” 

Start Your Retirement With Confidence 

You’ve worked hard for your retirement; make sure you can enjoy every sound it brings. If you’ve noticed changes in your hearing, or even if you just want the reassurance of a professional evaluation, follow John’s example: Schedule a comprehensive hearing evaluation and experience the same professional, above-and-beyond care that impressed him. 

By partnering with us proactively, you benefit from early detection, expert guidance, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing your hearing is in good hands.  

Don’t wait for a problem to become a barrier. Take charge of your hearing health today and step confidently into every moment of your retirement. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q: Why should I get my hearing checked if I don’t notice any major problems? 
A: Even if you feel your hearing is fine, subtle changes can develop over time, especially after years of noise exposure or as part of the natural aging process. Regular hearing evaluations can catch these changes early, giving you the best chance to maintain your quality of life and independence.  

Q: What can I expect during a comprehensive hearing evaluation at Highline Hearing? 
A: You can expect a professional, detailed, and comfortable experience. You’ll receive honest feedback and clear explanations about your results so you can make informed decisions about your hearing health. 

Q: How often should retirees have their hearing checked? 
A: For adults over 50, we recommend you have your hearing evaluated at least once a year, or sooner if you notice any changes such as ringing, difficulty understanding conversations, or increased sensitivity to sound. Staying proactive with regular checkups helps you catch any issues early and enjoy your retirement to the fullest. 

Source 

Johns Hopkins Medicine: This article details four ways to look after your hearing health with custom protection so you can safeguard your hearing from noise exposure. 

Smiling person with long, wavy blonde hair, wearing a black top and light jacket, set against a blurred background.
Smiling person with long, wavy blonde hair, wearing a black top and light jacket, set against a blurred background.
Smiling person with long, wavy blonde hair, wearing a black top and light jacket, set against a blurred background.

Lori Lovato MA, FAAA, Audiologist

Lori is a lifelong resident of the Tri-Cities. She and her husband Anthony are proud to be raising their family here. She attended Washington State University where she received a bachelor’s degree in speech and hearing sciences and her master’s degree in audiology. Lori began practicing audiology in the Tri-Cities in 1993. During this time, she has worked in a variety of clinical settings, including private practice and ear, nose, and throat physicians’ offices. She has spent her career focused on assisting those with hearing difficulties through the use of hearing aids, listening strategies, assistive devices, and counseling. She is experienced in working with both adult and pediatric patients. It is important to Lori to develop close relationships with each and every patient, as she helps them develop better communication strategies to live a fuller life.

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Concerned About Your Hearing?

Please feel free to request a callback and we’ll get in touch with you as soon as we can to help. Alternatively, you can call us directly at (206) 246-8677 for a more immediate conversation. 

Concerned About Your Hearing?

Please feel free to request a callback and we’ll get in touch with you as soon as we can to help. Alternatively, you can call us directly at (206) 246-8677 for a more immediate conversation. 

Concerned About Your Hearing?

Please feel free to request a callback and we’ll get in touch with you as soon as we can to help. Alternatively, you can call us directly at (206) 246-8677 for a more immediate conversation. 

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Request A Callback

If you are concerned about your or a loved one’s hearing, it can be confusing to understand what to do with so many myths and misconceptions circulating.

Simply complete this form, and we’ll call you back to answer any questions that you may have and can offer guidance on whatever your hearing-related problem may be!

Remember, there’s no such thing as a silly question!

Request A Callback

If you are concerned about your or a loved one’s hearing, it can be confusing to understand what to do with so many myths and misconceptions circulating.

Simply complete this form, and we’ll call you back to answer any questions that you may have and can offer guidance on whatever your hearing-related problem may be!

Remember, there’s no such thing as a silly question!

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Request A Callback

If you are concerned about your or a loved one’s hearing, it can be confusing to understand what to do with so many myths and misconceptions circulating.

Simply complete this form, and we’ll call you back to answer any questions that you may have and can offer guidance on whatever your hearing-related problem may be!

Remember, there’s no such thing as a silly question!

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Burien, Washington 98166

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