10 Ways To Improve Your Hearing in 2025

Start 2025 with a commitment to better hearing health. To improve your hearing is to enhance your quality of life and protect your cognitive health. Use these strategies to safeguard your ears and hear better every day.

 

1. Schedule a Hearing Test

A hearing test isn’t just for those experiencing hearing loss—it’s a crucial preventative step. Regular hearing tests can identify subtle changes in your hearing that might otherwise go unnoticed. Early detection of hearing issues allows you to take action before they worsen.

If you’re over 50, schedule annual hearing tests to monitor your hearing health. Even younger adults should consider testing every few years. Your hearing care provider can track changes, recommend solutions, and help to improve your long-term hearing.

Learn all about hearing tests

A man inserts his hearing aid.

2. Upgrade to New Hearing Aids

Modern hearing aids are no longer just amplifiers—they are sophisticated devices designed to improve your quality of life. If you’ve been using the same hearing aids for a while, upgrading to the latest models in 2025 could transform how you hear and interact with the world.

What’s New in Hearing Aid Technology?
The latest hearing aids feature artificial intelligence (AI) that adapts to your environment in real-time. These smart devices can identify background noise, isolate speech, and provide clearer sound even in complex settings like busy restaurants or family gatherings. Some models also track brain activity, promoting cognitive health while improving your hearing experience.

Another game-changer in 2025 is Auracast technology. This innovative wireless audio streaming feature allows hearing aids to connect directly to public sound systems in places like theaters, airports, or stadiums. With Auracast, you can enjoy personalized sound without needing additional equipment, enhancing accessibility and convenience in public spaces.

Enhanced Connectivity and Comfort
New hearing aids integrate seamlessly with smartphones, TVs, and other devices, offering high-quality audio streaming and easy controls. Features like rechargeable batteries eliminate the hassle of replacing batteries, ensuring a more user-friendly experience.

Why Upgrade Now?
Outdated hearing aids may not support advanced features that improve sound clarity and listening comfort. Upgrading ensures you’re benefiting from the latest technology to address your specific hearing needs. Additionally, new models are more discreet, lightweight, and comfortable, making them easier to wear all day.

3. Protect Your Ears from Loud Noises

Exposure to loud noise is a leading cause of hearing loss, but it’s preventable. Use earplugs or noise-canceling headphones in noisy environments, such as concerts, sporting events, or construction sites. At home, opt for quieter appliances and lower the volume on TVs or devices.

When using headphones or earbuds, follow the 60/60 rule: keep the volume below 60% and limit listening to 60 minutes at a time. These simple measures can significantly reduce your risk of noise-induced hearing loss.

4. Engage in Auditory Training

Just like physical exercise strengthens your body, auditory training strengthens your brain’s ability to process sound. This is especially useful if you’re adapting to new hearing aids or experiencing mild hearing loss.

Auditory training programs—available through apps or hearing care providers—use exercises to improve your ability to focus on speech, filter out background noise, and localize sounds. These skills enhance how you process sounds, improving your overall listening experience.

Different kinds of supplements are piled together.

5. Improve Your Diet with Ear-Friendly Nutrients

Your ears benefit from a healthy diet rich in essential nutrients. Foods containing zinc, magnesium, and folic acid help maintain the delicate structures of your inner ear. Incorporate these into your meals:

  • Leafy greens like spinach and kale are good for folic acid.
  • Nuts and seeds for zinc.
  • Bananas and avocados for magnesium.

Consider supplements if dietary changes are challenging. Consult your doctor before adding new vitamins to your routine, especially if you take other medications.

Older people exercise with stretch bands.

6. Exercise for Better Blood Flow

Physical activity boosts blood flow to your ears, which helps keep them functioning properly. Increased circulation nourishes the cells in your inner ear and supports healthy hearing.

Activities like walking, swimming, or yoga are excellent for overall health and hearing. Even light gardening or household chores can make a difference. Commit to at least 30 minutes of exercise most days to improve your hearing and overall wellness.

7. Quit Smoking

Smoking damages your inner ear by restricting blood flow and introducing harmful toxins. Over time, this can lead to hearing loss. Even secondhand smoke exposure can increase your risk.

Quitting smoking benefits your hearing and overall health. If you need support, explore nicotine replacement therapies, counseling, or apps designed to help people quit. The sooner you stop, the more you’ll protect your ears and improve your hearing.

8. Manage Stress Effectively

Stress affects more than your mental health—it can also harm your hearing. Chronic stress contributes to tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and can worsen existing hearing issues.

Incorporate stress management practices like mindfulness meditation, deep breathing, or yoga into your daily routine. These techniques not only reduce stress but also improve blood flow to your ears, promoting better hearing health.

9. Use Hearing-Friendly Technology

In addition to hearing aids, explore other hearing-friendly devices that make life easier. Sound amplifiers, personal listening devices, and assistive technology can enhance your listening experience in specific settings.

For example:

  • Use a TV listening system to hear dialogue clearly without raising the volume for everyone.
  • Try hearing amplifiers in noisy restaurants or during conversations in crowded spaces.
  • Explore apps that boost phone call clarity or filter out background noise.

These tools bridge gaps in challenging listening environments and can significantly improve your daily hearing experience.

10. Learn More About Hearing Health

Keeping your ears healthy requires more than just avoiding loud noises—it’s about creating habits that support long-term hearing wellness. Start by maintaining good ear hygiene. Clean your ears gently without inserting anything into the ear canal, as this can push wax deeper or cause damage.

Protect your ears from infections by keeping them dry. Moisture in the ears, especially after swimming or showering, can lead to bacterial growth. Use a soft towel to dry your ears thoroughly, and consider earplugs designed for water activities if you swim regularly.

Monitor your overall health, as conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure can negatively impact your hearing. Staying active, eating a balanced diet, and managing chronic conditions contribute to healthy ears.

Additionally, avoid smoking and limit your use of medications known to harm hearing (ototoxic drugs). If medication is necessary, discuss alternatives with your healthcare provider.

By incorporating these practices into your routine, you can keep your ears healthy and maintain optimal hearing for years to come.

Take Action to Improve Your Hearing

Better hearing starts with small, intentional steps. Whether upgrading your hearing aids, protecting your ears, or improving your overall health, every effort matters.

Contact American Hearing + Audiology today to schedule a hearing test or explore hearing aid options. Make 2025 the year you prioritize your hearing health!