Sometimes, the people closest to you pick up on a change in your hearing even before you do. You might find yourself turning the TV up a little louder or asking people to repeat themselves more often, or you may not even notice these changes yourself until someone else does. For one of our patients, April, the first signs were recognized by her pastor when she was just eight years old. 

Her pastor had hearing challenges himself, so he knew what to look for and raised his concerns with April’s parents. 

As she recalls: "[I] was eight and our pastor who had a hearing loss knew about it [and] told my parents." 

That simple act of care set her on a journey that would shape her life in ways she could not have known at the time. 

October is National Protect Your Hearing Month, a fitting time to pay attention to changes in your hearing and seek support early. April’s story shows how recognizing those signs and having the right guidance can make a lasting difference. 

Comfort, Trust, and Tailored Care at Highline Hearing 

Finding the right hearing care provider is about more than the technology available; it’s also about feeling listened to and confident that your needs are being taken seriously. That was April’s experience when she first visited us. 

As she recalls: “They were nice, friendly, and let me get what I wanted. Didn’t try to oversell or undersell my needs.” 

Your hearing profile and preferences are unique to you, so the right solution should reflect those individual needs. Our role is to listen to what matters most to you, explain your options clearly, and help you make a decision that feels right for your circumstances and budget. 

You should feel informed and involved throughout the process, with the freedom to choose the approach that works best for you. 

Thriving in a Sound-Filled World 

The goal of hearing care is to help you stay connected to the people and moments that matter most. For April, finding hearing aids that worked well made a profound difference, particularly because she grew up in a family where everyone else had typical hearing. 

“It’s been a lifesaver, as I grew up in an all-hearing family,” she says. 

For you, that difference might be felt around the dinner table, during a conversation in a busy coffee shop, or at work. No matter the setting, being able to follow what’s being said without constantly straining to hear can make everyday interactions feel easier and more natural. 

Behind-the-Ear vs. In-Ear: April’s Top Advice for Long-Term Value 

When choosing hearing aids, it’s natural to have questions about the different styles available.  

Rather than feeling stuck or uncomfortable with devices that aren’t quite right, the best hearing aids for you are the ones you’ll actually wear. Trying a few different styles isn't something to stress about; just like finding the right pair of glasses for your face shape and sight, the right pair of hearing aids are the ones that fit your unique needs.

After many years of wearing them, April has a clear preference based on her own experience: “Get the over-the-ear and not inside-the-ear, as your ears change just like your eyes and it is a better investment than buying new ones every couple of years,” she explains. 

Your ears can change over time, which is one factor worth considering when choosing a hearing aid style. Behind-the-ear (BTE) models sit discreetly behind the ear, with a small tube connecting to the part that delivers sound. Depending on the design, the earpiece can often be adjusted or replaced separately if your needs change. 

In-the-canal (ITC) models are custom-made to follow the contours of your ear canal. They offer a discreet option, but changes in shape over time can affect the fit and, in some cases, may mean the shell or device needs to be replaced. 

There’s no single style that’s right for everyone. Your hearing needs, comfort, lifestyle, and preferences all play a part, and your hearing care professional can help you understand which options are likely to suit you best. 

Prioritize Your Hearing This October 

April’s journey started with a simple observation and led to a lifetime of better hearing. She rates her experience at Highline Hearing a 10/10, and her story is a testament to the power of compassionate, expert-led audiology. 

This National Protect Your Hearing Month, take a moment to consider your own hearing. If you’ve been putting off a hearing check or have noticed changes in the hearing of someone you care about, a hearing assessment can give you a clearer understanding of what’s happening and what options may be available. 

If you’d like to learn more, contact the team at Highline Hearing to arrange an evaluation and talk through what could work for you and your lifestyle. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Q: Why visit an audiologist instead of buying an over-the-counter device? 

A: Working with an audiologist gives you access to a comprehensive assessment and a personalized approach to your hearing care. 

An audiologist can also identify signs that may warrant further medical investigation or referral. If hearing aids are recommended, they can be selected and programmed according to your individual hearing profile, helping you achieve a comfortable fit and clear sound. 

Similarly, follow-up appointments allow your audiologist to fine-tune the settings, address any concerns, and make adjustments as your needs change so your hearing aids continue to support you over time. 

Q: What signs of hearing difficulties should parents watch for? 

A: A child with trouble hearing may frequently ask for repetition, turn the television up, respond inconsistently when called, or have difficulty following instructions. They might also struggle in the classroom or seem especially tired after concentrating on conversations. 

These signs do not confirm hearing challenges, but they are good reasons to arrange a professional evaluation. 

Q: How can I protect the hearing I have now? 

A: Protecting your hearing starts with managing both the volume and duration of your exposure to loud sound. Keep personal listening volumes at a comfortable level, take regular breaks from headphones or other sources of sound, and use appropriate hearing protection at concerts, sporting events, and noisy workplaces or when using power tools. Your hearing care professional can advise you on the type of protection that best suits your lifestyle and the environments you spend time in.  

Regular hearing checks can also establish a baseline and help identify changes that might otherwise go unnoticed. 

Sources: 

• NIDCD: October is National Protect Your Hearing Month